In this way, male deer have hardened antlers by the time mating season rolls around, so they can assert their dominance on the breeding grounds.Īs the young antlers are growing throughout the late spring and summer, these bony protuberances have a potent blood supply to help with growth and are covered with a hair-like substance called velvet.īy late summer or early fall, the blood supply ceases to enrich the antlers so thoroughly, and the antlers harden, which means the buck is ready for business. The increasing amount of daylight corresponds with decreased melatonin levels, which, in turn, trigger a surge of hormones in the young deer, inciting antler growth. The hormones, in turn, are influenced by the amount of daylight, known as photoperiod. They start from the pedicles, and the hormonal output of the deer often regulates the rate at which they grow. Males usually begin growing antlers in the late spring. Still, other approaches believe that deer grow antlers to assert dominance without fighting and that they use their antlers to protect themselves from predators. This theory has the most scientific evidence to back it up. During mating season, male deer lock antlers and push each other to establish dominance. Since only the males typically grow antlers, many believe they are mainly used in territorial battles between bucks. Some wildlife biologists believe that female deer evaluate a buck’s antlers to assess whether he would be a good potential mate. There are some discrepancies regarding the purpose of antlers. Kicker point – An abnormal tine that grows from the burr, near the pedicle.Drop tine – This phrase describes a tine that is growing at a downward angle.Non-typical – Refers to a rack that has one or more abnormal tines, or tines that grow off another tine instead of the existing beam.Typical – This adjective refers to a rack that has all its tines growing upward with no abnormal tines.Abnormal tine – This is a tine that grows off another tine instead of off the main beam.Rack – This term refers to the complete set of antlers racks are usually typical or non-typical.Some other terms used to describe the state of the antlers include: These definitions explain the layout of deer antlers. Crown – The top tine on the deer’s antlers.Palm – Usually used to discuss moose, this refers to the end of the antler that spreads out, resembling a human hand.Fork – End of the antler that forks out into two tines.Surroyal Tine – Fourth branch on a separate tine of a deer’s antler.Tray Tine – The third branching-off mark. ![]() ![]() Bay Tine – The second branching-off point.Brow Tine – The point at which the first antler branches off.Here are some more terms and definitions so you can get a firm grasp of antler anatomy: The next time you’re hanging shed antlers, test yourself on your antler knowledge by naming each part of the antler as you go. The condition of a fawn’s mother and its date of birth also play a large part in how a deer’s antlers appear. The size and formation of deer antlers depend on a lot of different factors, such as age, nutrients, and genetics. Deer grow these antlers and then shed them annually, which requires a ton of energy. Antlers most typically are found on male deer, but some female deer grow antlers, especially those who have difficulty regulating the hormone testosterone, or female caribou.ĭeer typically start growing antlers as buttons around four or five months of age. These bony protuberances develop on the frontal pedicle-the base from which the antlers grow. By learning deer antler terminology, you’ll be able to discuss these trophies with ease and confidence. One of the ways to become more familiar with deer hunting is to learn the ins and outs of antler terminology.ĭeer antlers are surprisingly complex, and hunters have developed specific terms to apply to the different parts of the antler. Anyone who has hunted for deer in the past knows the importance of antler discussion.
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