Dang, I don't know on that one. You'd think if the cougar got close enough to bite the ear he'd have gone for the neck and killed him. Maybe a coyote got him when he was a fawn? I did hear a fawn distress call when I lived up north and when I got there 2 coyotes were on it and one had it by the ear. I thought the little thing was toast but it got up and ran off after I chased off the coyotes. The doe was hanging around about 40 yards away so I assume it made it to her, Whether the coyotes came back and finished the deal I don't know.
I'm sorry, it is Kent D that has friends over by me. I've never been as far west in Texas as you are, but hope to someday. Some of the wood I have is decent for growth rings, but the one I just did had really fine rings. If you come over Dallas-way you are certainly welcome to a stave or 2. Sounds like you have osage closer than me though.
Love the velvet pictures.
George