I'm definately with you that it's the same deer from a previous year. Especially by noticing the the unique shape of the peticle. Also, by the same structure around the base. As for being a whitetail, not a chance in my book. I've picked up many whitey sheds, and have never seen a whitetail shed resemble that horn with it's base characteristics. To go with that, being found in the Swakane area, rules it out imo. Nice find though!