How do deer shed their antlers

When a buck's testosterone levels fall, it causes a weakening in the tissue and bone at the antler base pedicle to the point where the antlers simply fall off. This process can happen quickly; antlers that are firmly attached one day can weaken and fall off within 24 to 48 hours. A buck in peak physical health will shed his antlers later than a weaker buck, and injured deer often shed their antlers early. By Bob Robb September 01, Categories Big Game Whitetail Deer.

Sign Me Up! Join other outdoor enthusiasts who already get great content delivered right to their inbox. If you don't want to bring your iPad into the bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free! Popular Stories. When fully healed, the top of the pedicule is covered with a brownish-gray skin, with a small light-gray dot in the center of the pedicule.

Many people often ask whether bucks feel pain when casting takes place and how fast it occurs. Many assume that bucks feel pain when their antlers are shed. This is likely not the case. In one study, researchers discovered that whitetails, when under extreme stress, produce naturally high levels of B-endorphin especially in fall , which supports a high pain threshold and rapid wound healing. Endorphins consist of morphine-like chemicals from the pituitary gland, allowing the animal to control pain.

In addition, bucks experience rapid buildups of steroids and androgens in the bloodstream. This promotes healing, helps manage stress, and suppresses and prevents inflammation. This does not cause the deer any pain. The deer start to grow their antlers back in late spring. When their antlers come back they are called velvet. Velvet is made up of amino acids, minerals, and proteins. This helps the antlers grow.

After two to three months of velvet they scrub the velvet off their antlers. Then they have their antlers until the next winter when the cycle starts over.