Elk in Velvet through Winter

[ridenmuley]

Today at the elk antler auction there was a winter kill 6x6 elk that was found on the refuge still in Velvet. Has anyone ever heard of this happening. I have heard a lot of rumors for this occuring but am wondering if anyone knows of how or why this might have happened.

 

[BuckSnort]

I have found muley sheds that were covered w/ full velvet...

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[firemedic56]

I'm no wildlife biologist, but I have a friend that is....what I understand causes this is the animal's pituitary gland is out of whack. That's what causes the bull's velvet to stop growing by the increased output of testosterone. If this doesn't happen just right, then the velvet will keep growing and not dry up and fall off. I think that's why 'cactus' bucks so often always have velvet on their antlers.