Originally Posted by 1minute
Quote
The healthier the buck the longer they hold


Just the opposite with our mule deer. Big old robust bucks drop in Feb and the wimpy little guys might hang onto theirs into April

Had a group of four 4by's just behind the house this morning. Cookie ran out to get a couple images of the largest. Did not get close enough for a portrait, but did hit the shutter a couple times. Not one we had seen around here before. Other three have been regulars, and I can still see them bedded through out back door.
[Linked Image from i.aostimg.cc]

Have seen elk here still carrying in early May, and some images from Wy feed grounds with both hard and branch velvets in the same frame.


I have to agree with 1minute. Our larger antlers fall first no matter elk mule deer or whitetail. Maybe regionally it’s different. Interesting anyways. Also I have seen no correlation to health either. Seems mass alone is the biggest factor. I swear our heathy young spike elk don’t shed until the new antler pops the old one off from below. They hold into June often and are healthy as any.