Deer grow antlers every year. The timing of when they start to grow new antlers varies by species but it typically happens in the late spring or early summer. For example white-tailed deer in North America usually start growing new antlers in May or June.
After the velvet antlers are shed the bare bone is covered in a thick layer of skin called the pedicle. This skin is what will eventually grow into the antlers. The pedicle starts out small but it rapidly grows larger and thicker over the course of a few weeks.
Once the pedicle has grown to its full size the antlers start to grow. Antlers are made of bone which is why they feel hard when you touch them. The bone is covered in a thin layer of skin which is what gives antlers their characteristic fuzzy appearance. This skin is filled with blood vessels which supply the antlers with the nutrients they need to grow.
Antlers grow very rapidly. They can grow up to an inch (2.5 cm) per day! This rapid growth phase lasts for about two to three months after which the growth rate slows down. The antlers continue to grow until they reach their full size which is typically in the fall.
After the antlers have reached their full size the blood vessels in the skin begin to shrink. This causes the skin to dry out and fall off revealing the hard bone underneath. This process is known as “hardening off” and it usually takes place in the late fall or early winter.
Once the antlers are hard they are ready to be used for mating season. Deer use their antlers to assert dominance over other deer and to attract mates. Mating season typically takes place in the fall which is why most deer are seen with antlers during this time of year.
After mating season is over the deer will start to lose their antlers. The process of shedding antlers is known as “casting”. This usually takes place in the late winter or early spring.
The exact timing of when deer shed their antlers varies by species and by individual deer. Some deer shed their antlers as early as December while others may hold onto them until April.
Once the antlers are shed the pedicle will begin to grow a new set of antlers. The cycle then repeats itself and the deer will have a new set of antlers each year.
How often do deer grow antlers?
Deer grow antlers every year.
How long do deer keep their antlers?
Deer keep their antlers for about six months.
Do all deer have antlers?
No only male deer have antlers.
Why do deer grow antlers?
Deer grow antlers for mate selection and dominance.
How do deer shed their antlers?
Deer shed their antlers by rubbing them against trees.
What are antlers made of?
Antlers are made of bone.
How fast do antlers grow?
Antlers grow about an inch a day.
What do antlers weigh?
Antlers weigh about three pounds.
What is the purpose of a deer’s antlers?
Antlers are used for mate selection and dominance.
How do deer use their antlers?
Deer use their antlers for mate selection and dominance.
When do deer start growing antlers?
Deer start growing antlers in the spring.
When do deer shed their antlers?
Deer shed their antlers in the winter.
How often do deer grow antlers?
Deer grow antlers every year.
How long do deer keep their antlers?
Deer keep their antlers for about six months.
Do all deer have antlers?
No only male deer have antlers.
