It’s that time of year again! The time when deer shed their velvet and antlers begin to grow. For some this is a time of excitement. For others it’s a time of sadness as they watch their once beautiful antlers fall off.
But when exactly do deer shed their velvet? And what causes it to happen?
The answer to the first question is a bit tricky as it can vary depending on the deer’s location. In general deer in the northern hemisphere will shed their velvet between August and October while those in the southern hemisphere will do so between February and March.
However there are many factors that can influence when a deer will shed its velvet. For example the amount of daylight and the temperature can both play a role. In general the shorter days and cooler temperatures of autumn trigger the shedding process.
But why do deer shed their velvet in the first place?
There are a few theories but the most likely explanation is that it’s simply a way for the deer to get rid of excess hair. As the antlers grow they push against the velvet causing it to loosen and eventually fall off.
In some cases the shedding process can be painful for the deer. As the velvet loosens it can pull on the skin and hair causing the deer to scratch or rub its antlers against trees or other objects. This can lead to bald spots or even open wounds.
If you see a deer with missing patches of velvet don’t be alarmed. This is perfectly normal and the deer will eventually regrow its lost hair.
So when do deer shed their velvet? It can vary depending on the deer and its environment but in general it happens in the fall. And why do they shed their velvet? Most likely it’s just a way to get rid of excess hair.
When do deer begin to shed their velvet?
Deer begin to shed their velvet in late August to early September.
How long does the entire process of shedding velvet take?
The entire process of a deer shedding its velvet takes about three weeks.
What causes a deer to shed its velvet?
The amount of daylight decreases in the fall which signals to a deer’s body that it’s time to start preparing for the winter.
This means that a deer’s body will start to produce less testosterone and as a result the velvet will start to detach from the antlers.
Can a deer’s antlers be damaged during the shedding process?
Yes a deer’s antlers can be damaged during the shedding process if they become caught on something or if the deer bumps them against a hard object.
How often do deer shed their velvet?
Deer shed their velvet once a year in the fall.
What does velvet look like?
Velvet is a thin soft and hairy covering that is reddish-brown in color.
What is velvet made of?
Velvet is made of a protein called keratin.
How is velvet used?
Velvet is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is also used in some cultures for lucky charms or good luck amulets.
What is the value of deer velvet?
The value of deer velvet varies depending on the country and the specific use.
In China deer velvet is worth around $90 per kilogram.
Where does deer velvet come from?
Deer velvet comes from the antlers of deer.
How is deer velvet harvested?
Deer velvet is harvested by carefully removing the skin around the antlers with a sharp knife.
How many deer are killed for their velvet each year?
It is estimated that around 100000 deer are killed for their velvet each year.
Is deer velvet sustainable?
No deer velvet is not sustainable because it requires the death of the animal.
What are some of the ethical concerns with harvesting deer velvet?
Some of the ethical concerns with harvesting deer velvet include the inhumane treatment of the animals and the impact on the environment.
What are some of the alternatives to harvesting deer velvet?
Some of the alternatives to harvesting deer velvet include using synthetic materials or plant-based products.
