Antler growth this year Utah

huntin50 · Jul 11, 2023

I talked with an elk rancher a few days ago. He said the cooler weather in June contributed to better antler growth. He gets his elk from Alaska and Canada. Genetics, feed, age, and cooler weather, contribute to optimal antler growth. Ranch bulls start shedding mid July. I thought that was a little early as well.
I haven't checked any cameras yet, but what are you guys seeing so far for growth?

huntin50 · Jul 13, 2023

Looks like an average year so far. It may have taken some time to recover from long winter in Northern Utah.

BrowningRage · Jul 13, 2023

Moisture can't beat the growth hormones those ranchers give to their elk.

The elk farm in N. Ogden looks like nothing but 400+" bulls already... ??

JakeH · Jul 13, 2023

To me it seems like a lot of bulls are a little behind to me in North East Utah. Deer seem to be behind as well.

BearBait49 · Jul 14, 2023

Growth seems to be a few weeks behind but looking great on the Wasatch unit. Green is the word this year

tallelkchaser · Jul 14, 2023

Hopefully it’s good, i have only been up a couple times, sure is green which makes me think they will finish good. Man the mosquitoes are something else this year!

HntHrdr · Jul 14, 2023

From the cams last week, in Co there were two stand out bulls that will be over 330 this year. Rest of the bulls seemed a little farther behind, couple deer that we got seemed way behind for mid June photos…

DaveD · Jul 14, 2023

Interesting read - https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article-pdf/79/3/1038/2555470/79-3-1038.pdf

Homer · Jul 14, 2023

Water grows nutrition....nutrition and genetics grow antlers......

elkassassin · Jul 14, 2023

I'll 2nd what Jake Said!

Not Impressed With What I've Seen!

ridgetops · Jul 15, 2023

elkassassin said:
I'll 2nd what Jake Said!

Not Impressed With What I've Seen!

Are you ever? ?

Elkslayer · Jul 15, 2023

ridgetops said:
Are you ever? ?

I think he'd complain if he was hung with a new rope!

elkassassin · Jul 17, 2023

Usually Not!

I Agreed With What JakeH Said & Now You're PISSED?

ridgetops said:
Are you ever? ?

NVPete · Jul 17, 2023

Not very clear- pre-sunup. But I thought pretty good growth by last week of June (NV Area 231 bulls).

Dr_Hunter · Jul 18, 2023

Everything I am seeing in South-Central Utah has been growing fast. Seems like most bulls are just about finished growing with a few that appear to be done; however, they did not experience the same winter stress that we had up here in the North.
Deer on the other hand does seem to be slower.

huntin50 · Aug 1, 2023

Northern Utah Cache.
Checked three cameras. Antler growth delayed and a lot worse than last year. Seen some fawns, even twins, and calves with cows, which are great to see. Missing some big bulls. I think some winter killed. Over all fewer animals than last year. I think central and southern Utah looks good in most areas.