ANTLERS
Antlers are NOT horns. Horns are permanent and antlers are SHED naturally each year. The deer species is the only known group that has antlers. The male deer uses his antlers for fighting, rubbing and digging for food in the snow.
The new antler buds actually push the old set of antlers out. Just as a young child lose their baby teeth when their adult teeth push them out. Antler growth is seen in late March and April. The new antlers are covered with velvet, which is a skin rich in blood vessels. Antler growth depends on a good blood supply from the velvet and the core of the antler, nutrients and an increase of sunlight. Deer that keep their antlers moist by rubbing them in leaves and mud will have the hardest antlers. This is called horning.
Antlers are normally not seen on a buck until after they are one year old. However, some southern deer will develop antlers before their first birthday. It is rare, but does (female deer) have been seen with antlers.
Antler growth requires nutrients and minerals. That is why antlers vary in size between northern and southern deer. Genetics also plays a small role in antler size and growth. If a deer does not have an adequate supply of minerals in their diet, their bodies will take the minerals out of their bones to allow the antler growth.
Testosterone levels start to rise in autumn, which causes the velvet to die and become itchy. The deer rubs on branches and small trees to relieve the itch. By breeding season the antlers are hard and ready to fight over breeding rights.
Testosterone levels start to fall in January and the shedding process begins. Antlers normally fall off when the deer is moving. Jumping and thrashing around normally knocks the loose antlers off. Both sides normally fall off within a short distance of each other.
