Dry conditions / Antler growth

[bobcat]

It won't be late unless the days don't get shorter like they do every year.

[vandeman17]

All my cameras have shown normal antler growth and most the areas that I go, which are higher in elevation, still have nice green grass and plenty of browse.

[Fullabull]

Although we didn't get a lot of snow, we did get a lot of rain which in reality allowed the elk to stay up high longer than usual and get lots of good feed for a longer period of time. So over all I believe they have better than normal feed this year.

[400gross]

Didnt affect this guy. Most my cams look great. Most feed above 6k is still green and looks great. Town and fringe deer might look ragged.

Looks like a bull in the Observatory   

[Jonathan_S]

I know it's driven by light, but so are other things that are being affected.  I know there are always early shredders, but curios if the bell curve is early this year. 

How funny would it be if the elk rut were early and archery elk hunters got screwed yet again? 

Dry & hot yr rut will most likely be late it all depends on the temps & if we get some rain in there. I myself won't get all pinched up about it, it is what it is

I don't think it will vary noticeably.  Weather only changes the time of day the Marvin Gaye plays.

It won't be late unless the days don't get shorter like they do every year.

^ this 

[eliandsky]

Not familiar with the observatory however that animal is damn near protected seeing how it's in Mission and I think there's all but two tags available 

[DOUBLELUNG]

The primary effect of drought/limited forage on antler growth is body condition coming out of winter when new antler growth starts.  Effects of this year's drought, if any, will be most evident in next year's antler growth - and can be canceled out by a mild winter.  The effect in antler growth is seen most often in reduced mass at the bases and reduced beam length, and is usually pretty subtle.  It is greatest in yearlings, then 2 year-olds, then geriatrics/regressors; dominant bulls are least affected.  The pattern is similar, but with greater effects in deer.