Antler growth is a complex process driven by hormones and photoperiod (day length). April. In the spring antlers begin to grow from the skull covered with a tissue called “velvet”. The antler tissue is laid down, and the points of growth duly advance so as to always be present at the tips of the antler. A relatively common antler abnormality observed in members of the deer family, whitetails included, is referred to as spike-on-one-side. Estimating a buck’s spread credit is relatively one of the easiest scores to estimate while field scoring a buck. Steaks: Various cuts: Sirloin tip/round, Top Round Steaks and others. But is corn the best deer feed? Unlike ungulates, which tend to grow their biggest antlers between the ages of 5 and 7, pronghorns tend to maximize their horn growth between ages 3 and 4. Biggest whitetail I ever killed was gross right at 200” may 17th was the first day I laid eyes on him he was a 6x5 already biggest buck I’d … FAQ: Why Do Male Deer, Elk and Moose Shed Their Antlers? Its range extended across Eurasia during the Pleistocene, from Ireland to Lake Baikal in Siberia.The most recent remains of the species have been carbon dated to about 7,700 years ago in western Russia. After the rut, male cervids experience a dramatic hormonal change. Elk Antler Growth--Alex Mercier . The Irish elk (Megaloceros giganteus) also called the giant deer or Irish deer, is an extinct species of deer in the genus Megaloceros and is one of the largest deer that ever lived. Antlers are produced yearly by male elk, but the size of the antlers changes as the elk ages. 3 1/2: When a whitetail reaches 3 1/2 years of age, its skeletal frame is done growing. Many believe that bucks with a spike antler on one side, but a normal branched antler on the other, possess inferior genetics for antler growth. Testosterone levels at the various stages of the growth … In this case, my best guess would be that the third antler was the result of genes. antler casting; Various factors control the different phases. We sell antler chews for dogs. In an unprecedented situation, I went into the year with three bucks entering their second year of antler growth. Skin covers the growing antler, from which hairs protrude, giving a velvet-like appearance. While this particular buck is in the Kerr Wildlife Management Area Deer Pen Research Facility, its antler development is representative of whitetails throughout the Texas Hill Country. The growth of antlers ceases in August and bull elk rub off the velvet covering their antlers in preparation for the rut (mating season). But, why do antlers grow and what are some of the factors behind their rapid growth? Some of our young elk . A 200” whitetail or mule deer will have substantial growth right now and usually when you see them in late may or June you know they will be big. Antler growth begins by … The following photos illustrate antler growth for 1 buck from 26 March 1999 through 15 September 1999. Bibliography. Figure 10. Antler during this stage is thus referred to as 'velvet'. When considering antler growth, we must remember that antler growth is secondary to body care and maintenance. In their natural state, they are used to create rustic chandeliers, lamps, and table centerpieces, or simply as wall decor.As a raw material, they can be turned into knife handles, jewelry, decorative carvings, key fobs, and a variety of other items. This brown soft material covers the deer's entire antlers and provides a constant blood supply to the antlers during growth. We named it that because every dog deserves the experience of being able to Whitetail deer antler sheds have a wide variety of uses and are becoming more popular as a crafting material and for home decor. Deer Antlers have Bumps. The growth of antlers typically begins in April in response to increasing day length. Timeline Photos . mrelite 12-Jul-19. Boost antler growth on your deer property with these food plot tricks. Here is a breakdown of the timeline and the process the whitetail deer antler growth follows by the month. Cave paintings and ceremonial objects incorporated antlers into rituals of cultural importance as evidenced from artifacts and cave decor. In some cases, injury to the body can have an effect on antler growth and it is often on the antler on the opposite side of the body from the injury. The antlers are very soft and damage can easily occur during this time period. AZguy 12-Jul-19. Antler development is a function of age. The life span of elk is 14 to 16 years for males and 15 to 17 for females, though in 1937 a tagged elk in Arizona was 25 when it was harvested. Our pet-friendly supplements make use of Elk Velvet Antler (EVA), an entirely renewable health powerhouse that’s been used as a natural dietary health supplement and health treatment throughout the Eastern world for the past 2,000 years. This is only the second time in years of whitetail photography that I have documented a buck from the beginning of antler development through the shedding process as long term survival is difficult for a rack buck. Most males maximize their antler size at 6-1/2 years of age. Our Elk playing in the water . One of the Elk herds . Antler growth will continue until around mid-to-late August. 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