Abby Hiles, 19, of Karns City says she got her Christmas wish on Thursday when a set of missing antlers was returned to her. The head of a 12-point buck that Hiles harvested was stolen Nov. 27.

Most people want new things for Christmas, but Abby Hiles, 19, of Karns City wanted something she already owned.

“I got my Christmas wish,” Hiles said.

Hiles received word Thursday that a set of antlers were waiting for her at Schnur's Custom Meat Market in Jefferson Township, where on Nov. 27 the head of a 12-point buck that Hiles harvested was stolen. The head features a unique rack with a downturned brow tine on its left side.

Joyce Schnur told Hiles that the head was taken by mistake and the person who had the head returned the antlers to the store, according to Hiles.

“They were taken by mistake,” Hiles said. “He didn't realize that he'd had them.”

Hiles said she retrieved the antlers, which were attached to a piece of the animal's skull, on Thursday from the market.

“We went and picked them up that night,” she said. “They weren't damaged or anything. My tag was still on them, and they were all intact.”

Attempts to contact Schnur Sunday were unsuccessful.

A few days after the head was taken from the market Hiles filed a report with Pennsylvania State Police, who were investigating. On Sunday Hiles said she contacted state police to alert them that the rack had been returned, and to ask that the department's investigation be called off.

“I'll leave it go,” she said. “It's done. It's over with. I got back what I wanted.”

State police did not return messages left Sunday seeking information on the investigation.

Having wanted the special buck's head for a shoulder mount, Hiles said losing the whole head wasn't ideal. But she said all that is needed for the mount are the antlers and some cape.

“The taxidermist I'm working with can still fix it,” she said.

The taxidermist Hiles plans to work with will be able to use unwanted cape from another customer to pair with the antlers.

The antlers would have been irreplaceable, said Hiles. Who added that she is surprised that they were returned.

“I never thought I'd see them again,” she said.

Hiles said she would like to thank local media outlets and those following the story on social media for their support and help spreading the word about the missing head.

“I'm still speechless,” Hiles said. “It's an overwhelming joy to have them back.”