When Do Deer Antlers Grow? [A Month-by-Month Guide]

Once, when I was young and camping out in the high country, I asked a hunting friend of my father if it hurt the deer when they shed their antlers. He laughed and said it was like getting a haircut. Since then, I've been fascinated by the process. 

Today, we're exploring the question of "when do deer antlers grow" through a month-by-month breakdown, from the first velvet-covered buds in spring to the fully developed, hard antlers of the rutting season and the final shed. We'll also talk about what the different stages of antler growth mean to hunters.

When Do Deer Antlers Grow? An Introduction

Antlers are bony structures that grow atop the heads of Cervidae family members, including deer, moose, elk, and all subspecies.

These bone appendages play an essential role in the survival and propagation of a deer species, whether through territorial disputes to showcase dominance, mate selection, or, in some cases, defense against predators. 

They're an important biological feature of deer that follow a unique growth cycle. They grow rapidly in the spring and summer while covered in a soft, vascular "velvet" that supplies nutrients due to the system of blood vessels and nerves that run through the antlers. 

Deer grow and shed antlers yearly, and the conditioning and relative size directly impact a deer's survival and mating success. Antler growth is directly linked to the impact of hormonal regulation, including testosterone and growth hormone, as the growth of the antlers is a highly rapid biological process–it's one of the fastest known tissue growths in mammals. 

Understanding this antler growth cycle is invaluable for hunters. It helps identify mature bucks, plan hunting strategies, and provide insights into a buck's age and development. This is especially important to ensure you follow bag limits and specifications, as some states offer antlered and antlerless deer hunting opportunities. 

A Look at Deer Antler Growth By Month

So, what does a year of antler growth look like? When do deer antlers grow vs. shed? We've pulled together a month-by-month look at antler growth to help you understand the cycle throughout the year.

January – February: Antler Shedding

Shedding generally occurs late winter following the rut, when testosterone levels decline in the buck, telling the body it is time to shed antlers. Changes in daylight and temperatures during the autumn and early winter also signify that it's time to shed. 

Shedding is a natural process that allows the bucks to renew antlers, building a new set for the upcoming year. The seasonal nature of the process, brutal winters, and even age — as older bucks often shed their antlers sooner than younger bucks — can all impact the timing of this process. 

March – April: Antler Growth Begins

Antler growth typically kicks off during spring, which coincides with a boost in hormones and an increase in bioavailable food sources, triggering a metabolic process. During this period, the beginning stages of antlers emerge as tiny 'buds' covered in velvet.

May – June: Rapid Antler Growth

During this period, bucks experience a rapid boost in antler growth. Adult elk can grow antlers at about an inch per day. This is thanks to nutrition as a diet rich in protein, nutrient-dense greens, buds, and mineral sources such as licks help support antler growth. 

Consumption of bone-friendly minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, will also play a significant role in antler development. 

Velvet is essential as it is dense in blood vessels, helping transport nutrients and oxygen to develop antler growth further. 

July: Antlers Reach Peak Size

July is an exciting time as you'll witness the endpoint of growth as antlers near full size.

At this stage, antlers are still soft and covered in velvet. However, bucks continue to feed heavily to support growth and ensure antlers fully mineralize and strengthen appropriately for the upcoming rut. 

August: Velvet Shedding Begins

In August, velvet shedding may begin as the blood supply to the antlers diminishes. This is an essential step in the hardening process, and new growth significantly slows. 

Bucks will start rubbing their antlers on trees and shrubs to remove the velvet during this time. This is a typical sign hunters look for when placing deer movement and presence, known as rubs. 

September – October: Hardened Antlers

All velvet is shed during this period, and the antlers are fully hardened and ready for the rut.

Antlers serve critical functions in mating displays and contests for dominance, as the size and conditioning of antlers impact success rates and indicate fitness and health. Additionally, strong antlers serve as a defense mechanism against predators, further contributing to the longevity of the deer. 

What Factors Influence Antler Growth?

A range of genetic and environmental factors impacts antler growth. Age is a primary determinant, as bucks typically grow their largest antlers after four years. In contrast, young bucks will sprout smaller, less developed antlers. Nutrition is essential as the forage quality and access to minerals support optimal growth. 

Genetics also plays a part, as some deer are naturally predisposed to grow larger, more elaborate antlers, and these genetic traits are often passed down through generations. 

Finally, a buck's health and stress levels can significantly affect antler development. Illness, injuries, or environmental stressors, such as harsh winters or habitat loss, may lead to uneven, stunted, or misshapen antlers.

Understand the Deer Antler Growth Cycle and Use HuntWise for Better Hunts

By knowing when antlers are at their peak size, when bucks are shedding velvet, and when to look for shed antlers, you can strategically plan your hunts and improve your scouting techniques. 

Keeping an eye on factors like nutrition, age, and environmental influences further enhances your ability to identify mature bucks and maximize success on your next deer hunt. 

For even more precise insights and real-time data on deer movement, use HuntWise. With the hunting app's advanced mapping features and deer activity predictions, HuntWise can help you stay ahead of the game throughout the hunting season, ensuring you're targeting peak times and maximizing your chances of success. 

Don't have HuntWise yet? 
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