It Has Begun
#3
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Maine
Posts: 3,555
RE: It Has Begun
I have mixed feelings about this. I'd like for antlers to grow for another 30 to 40 days.
But on the other hand, It's still early enough to get in and do a bit more light scouting without too much disruption.
46 days and counting....
But on the other hand, It's still early enough to get in and do a bit more light scouting without too much disruption.
46 days and counting....
#6
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Warren PA USA
Posts: 1,512
RE: It Has Begun
Hard already? I think I'd have to see that in person to believe it. The earlist I've ever seen velvet shed is the last week of August and then there's still plenty more with velvet still attached. Whether or not I believe you doesn't matter though, the horns will be hard come archery season!
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Harford Co Maryland USA
Posts: 4,966
RE: It Has Begun
That's hard to believe. Something other than bucks are likely causing the damage. The photoperiodism responsible for the hardening of antlers, shedding of velvet, etc. is the same this year as it's always been. All the bucks here are still in velvet--no surprise--and will probably grow a small amount, if any from this point on. During August, hardening will occur and the shedding of velvet will begin in late August/early Sept. . . . . like it always has.
#8
RE: It Has Begun
yeah, I'd have to disagree as well. I'm in PA and they typically don't begin to shed velvet till about the end of August. And anyway, Bucks don't rub trees to remove their velvet very much.
I'd have to say that something else is doing that.
I'd have to say that something else is doing that.
#10
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: East Yapank NY USA
Posts: 3,457
RE: It Has Begun
Well I thought its early as well......It is possible the tree farmer is looking for an excuse to thin out the herd and the info is wrong.......I myself have never seen them hard at this time........
Maybe I am just wishing
Though I do agree with this - I also believe it triggers deer to drop there antlers and as we know this can happen from Dec till April or more.....So I would not be shocked if one or two shed their velvet a month before others.....................nature is a funny thing
Maybe I am just wishing
The photoperiodism responsible for the hardening of antlers, shedding of velvet, etc. is the same this year as it's always been