Ok this was found in the Gasconade river in Missouri. A few other hunters have told me that they think I'm on the right track with fossilized carved bone but we aren't sure. I have found several points and tools in the past but never anything like this. Thanks for any input.
Welcome to TNET!
Normally when bone is buried under water in mud for quite some time it becomes and looks somewhat fossilized. Your item looks like it has been through this process. It is hard to say, but your piece may have been used as an awl which has been well worn by use and weathering. This is just a possibility.
I could be wrong but I believe the piece is agatized wood and it wore down that way naturally in the river and wherever it was before ending up in the river. I have had and probably still have several specimens that are similar. I have no idea as to where they are since my oldest daughter and her 5 children moved in with me and everything got moved around and stored away.
Thanks to you all. Very helpful info for sure and i think i prefer to agree or at least want to believe that maybe it is an awl but not carved nor truly a fossil. If that's the case then still a good find I think. Thanks again everyone, great site!