Antler growth?

smokepoler63 · Jul 20, 2015

I posted this in the archery forum, but haven't received any replies after several days.

I got some photos of a bull on my trail camera on July 3. The bulls antlers seem to be fully developed and I was wondering if he would gain much more in tine length in the next month and a half. I was surprised to see a bull with antlers so developed this early in the summer. So, what are your thoughts? Will this bull gain much more tine length, or is he about done growing?

inline · Jul 20, 2015

He looks pretty much done to me. You might see some remaining growth in the main beams, but I think that will be it.

Take out more than you brought in!

AZ4life · Jul 20, 2015

Depends on the elk and area. Last year my AZ elk put on alot on his main beam between beginning of July and finishing up, but may just be an anomaly.

smokepoler63 · Jul 20, 2015

AZ4life, thanks for your post. That's cool to see your bull grow over the 5-6 weeks! He really did put on some main beam growth. Looks like he gained a little on his fifths as well.

I notice his tips are rounded in the first photo (similar to the bull in my photos)and then get more pointed as he reaches the end of the growing cycle.

He looks like a similar sized bull to the one in my photos, what did he end up grossing?

AZ4life · Jul 21, 2015

Mine went 319 but that is just me measuring and I'm not an expert. Your bull looks bigger, fronts thirds and 4ths all look longer on yours.

smokepoler63 · Jul 22, 2015

LAST EDITED ON Jul-22-15 AT 12:28PM (MST)[p]I don't know if this bull will score that well. My nephew's bull last year was similar, but wider and only gross scored 300-305"

smokepoler63 · Aug 9, 2015

Changed out memory cards Friday and learned that this bull is still in the area. He has added a little length to his fourths, fifths, and most noticeably his main beams. I hope to see him from my tree stand come archery season!