Dry conditions / Antler growth

[Nice Racks]

Will the hot and dry conditions we had here on the West side this year have any effect on the antler growth on elk; like make them brittle?  It seems like it did with the whitetails on dry summers in Pa when I was growing up.

[Big6bull]

Don't see why it would, elk live in much dryer areas... I would imagine less water may expose more minerals that could benefit our elk?

[dreamunelk]

So long as nutritional requirements are met they will grow just fine.

[bobcat]

I think a lack of water can affect the growth of grass and other elk feed, which then can decrease antler growth. I really don't think that will be the case here in Western Washington, but- maybe. 

[Nice Racks]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

[huntnnw]

never seen it affect whitetails around here...having a super dry year here and have some of the largest antlers I have seen in 2 areas this year

[boneaddict]

Theory goes, drought years cause decreased forage which means decreased antler growth.   
Even though this is a drought, I am still seeing forage and the deer look healthy.
I'm guessing antlers aren't being too affected.

[CAMPMEAT]

I'm seeing some big boys. These 2 were in my yard yesterday evening.

[boneaddict]

Nice!   

What I am watching this year is how everything is so early, like 3-4 weeks early across the board.   I'm curious to see if they shed velvet early..... 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. 

[CAMPMEAT]

I've never seen these 2 before. I'll see when they shed, if they hang around.

[eliandsky]

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.

[notellumcreek]

I think with such a mild winter this last year that most animals are fat and happy still... even though it is dry there is still feed areas where springs and such are coming out.

 Other thing that makes me think that the animals are doing well this year is that I have seen 10 dead deer on the side of hwy 410 this year so far, and on a normal year I see maybe 1 or 2. I am thinking that a lot of animals were happy over the last 6 months...

[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? 

[huntnnw]

Oh you know it's coming ! Then they will complain that they want the muzzy season next

[bowtechian]

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   

[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.