Antler Growth Question

[Hawkeye]

Do mule deer antlers continue to grow until they shed their velevet or are they pretty much done growing by now? During a recent scouting trip to Southern Utah, I saw some fairly nice bucks. Many of those bucks had nice spreads but were a little weak in the forks. My question is will their tines coninue to grow over the next few weeks? I know their spreads will not likely increase but I am hoping that they may put on some additional tine length before they shed their velvet in September. I look forward to hearing your responses.

Hawkeye

 

[quickdrawkinker]

It just depends on the deer, some are still growing and others are pretty much done. If the the end of the antler is pointed then it's a good indication that it's done growing. If it's rounded or balled-up then it's not done growing.

 

[Hawkeye]

Does anyone else have any information regarding horn growth on the Paunsaugunt? Thanks.

Hawkeye

 

[Blanding_Boy]

Hawk--

I don't know specifically about the pauns although I can't imagine its much different then other parts of Utah. Mule deer keep growing antler/bone right up until they rub off. The reason they rub off is because blood flow has stopped, testosterone levels increase, and it likely itches a bit but more then likely just pre-rut behavior. For the most part bigger bucks are done growing the first week or so of September, I have watched many bucks rub off during this time period throughout Utah and Wyoming. I have seen bucks with velvet clear into the ML season in Utah although by then the are pretty shaggy looking. I do know that a buck we killed last year in late August grossed right at 170 see

we took pictures of this buck exactly one month prior in July and he was just barley forking (shoot me an email and I will show you the picture) so I do know they can grow 20+ inches in a month as well. As others have pointed out, it really depends on the individual animal, green groceries, and water as to what and how he will finish out. Hope this helps.

Good luck

Todd Black
BTO