Antlers are distinctive bony structures that grow from the heads of most male deer, known as bucks. They are primarily used for display during the breeding season, helping bucks establish dominance and attract mates. Antlers also function as weapons for sparring with other males, allowing them to compete for territory and access to females.
When Deer First Grow Antlers
Male fawns typically begin to grow their first set of antlers when they are around 6 to 10 months old. These initial antlers are often referred to as “spikes” because they commonly appear as short, unbranched projections. The precise timing can vary, influenced by factors such as the deer’s species, nutritional intake, and overall health. For instance, a well-nourished fawn might develop its first antlers earlier than one facing resource scarcity.
They emerge from pedicles, which are bony structures on the deer’s skull. The growth process is rapid, with antlers developing under a layer of highly vascularized skin known as velvet. This velvet supplies the growing bone with essential nutrients, allowing for quick formation.
After a period of active growth, usually in late summer or early fall, the velvet dries and is rubbed off by the buck, revealing the hardened, bony antlers beneath. These first antlers, though small, signify the buck’s entry into reproductive maturity.
The Annual Antler Growth and Shedding Cycle
Beyond their first set, deer undergo an annual cycle of antler growth and shedding. Bucks typically shed their antlers each year, usually during late winter or early spring. The shedding process occurs when a specialized layer of cells, called the abscission layer, forms between the antler and the pedicle, weakening the connection until the antler detaches.
Following shedding, a new set of antlers begins to grow almost immediately from the pedicles, starting in the spring. This rapid growth continues through the summer, with the new antlers covered in velvet. The size and complexity of subsequent antlers are influenced by the buck’s age, genetic predispositions, and the quality of its diet and habitat. Older, healthier bucks with abundant nutrients tend to grow larger, more branched antlers.
As the new antlers reach full size, typically by late summer or early fall, the velvet dries and peels away. Bucks rub their antlers against trees and brush to remove the remaining velvet, a process known as “rubbing.” This cleans the antlers, marks territory, and strengthens neck muscles. The hardened antlers are then ready for use during the breeding season, before the cycle repeats the following year.