Whitetail deer are recognized by their distinctive antlers, unique bone structures emerging from permanent bumps on the skull called pedicles. Unlike permanent horns, whitetail deer antlers are shed and regrown annually.
The Antler Growth Cycle
The annual antler growth cycle for whitetail deer typically begins in early spring, around March or April, after the previous year’s antlers have been shed. New growth sprouts from the pedicles as small bumps of bone, covered by a soft, fuzzy skin known as velvet. This velvet is rich in blood vessels and nerves, supplying nutrients for rapid antler development.
During spring and summer, antlers grow quickly, with some mature bucks adding up to 1.5 inches per week. By June, most main points are visible, and the framework is substantial. Growth continues through July, with rapid increase in size. In late August or early September, growth slows, and antlers harden through mineralization.
Shedding Old Antlers
Antlers are shed annually, typically in late winter or early spring, most commonly between late December and March. This shedding process is triggered by a drop in testosterone levels after the breeding season. A specialized layer of cells forms along an abscission line where the antler meets the pedicle, de-mineralizing the bone and weakening the connection.
The weakened attachment, combined with the antler’s weight, causes detachment. While both antlers may shed simultaneously, one often falls off before the other. This natural process does not cause pain.
Key Influences on Antler Development
Antler development is influenced by age, nutrition, genetics, and hormones. Age plays a major role, as antler size increases with a buck’s maturity, peaking around 6.5 years. After this peak, antler size may begin to decline.
Nutrition is a primary determinant, as high-quality forage rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus provides the building blocks for antler growth. Genetics contribute to the inherited potential for size and shape. Hormones, particularly testosterone and growth hormone, regulate the entire antler cycle, from growth to shedding.
The Antler Growth Process
Antlers are bone structures and are considered one of the fastest-growing tissues in the animal kingdom. They grow from pedicles, covered by velvet. This velvet contains a rich blood supply and nerves, delivering nutrients for bone formation.
As the antlers grow, their soft, cartilaginous structure transforms into hardened bone through mineralization, involving mineral deposition into the antler matrix. Once growth is complete, blood flow to the velvet ceases, causing it to dry and peel off. This leaves polished, hardened antlers used for display and sparring.