Most biologists I have talked to say the majority of antler growth was completed a week or so ago in early August. Now during mid- and late August, antlers are hardening. In early to mid-September the velvet dries and is shed, usually in only a matter of hours.
BTW, the cue for the antler hardening and velvet shedding is the change in photoperiod caused by increasing darkness and decreasing daylight, which results in a buck’s increase in testosterone.
And which means hunting season is right around the corner!
The whole antler growth and development cycle has always amazed me.
Will be hanging some stands here soon! Bring it on
Learned something new today. For some reason I thought they continued to grow right up until the velvet dried up and came off. But, I guess this way makes more sense.
Only 11 more days here in Arizona until our bow season starts! Chasing coues bucks in 112 degree weather is rough and it’s so different than any bow hunting I’ve done growing up. This is an odd year for a lot of the coues bucks here because they didn’t start their growth until really late..I saw bucks with last years racks all the way up until late May this year.
The antlers never stop growing in my mind due to the anticipation of the season. I have already shot countless monster bucks that have walked under my stand this season…………….and then I come back to reality and find I am here at work sitting at my desk.
“And which means hunting season is right around the corner!” – AMEN!