Elk antler growth this season?

[Mfowl]

Just curious what others observations are for this growing season. I was checking cams today and laid eyes on a bachelor group of 3 bulls. Turns out I had these bulls on my cam in the area about 9 days prior. In that time span 2 had expanded to 6x6 and the 3rd looks like he won't make it past 5x5. These are not giants but certainly shooters for my partner and I. A couple weeks back we laid eyes on a bull in the same GMU but a few miles away. One thing all of these bulls have in common is they are good down low but seem to fade on the back end. These are eastside Yakima area bulls. Seems like there is still a lot of moisture in the hills and alot of green growth. Do you think there is still a good push in antler growth available? I will try to add some pics later, my buddy has them on his I-pad. On another note, a different cam had healthy looking cows and spotted calves a plenty.

[bowhunterforever]

Cant speak for elk but the deer antler growth is great this year

[zackmioli]

They got at least another couple weeks of solid growth.

[dreamingbig]

The elk in our unit are usually done by 3rd week of July.  Velvet starts coming off around 8-10th of August.


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[hunterofelk]

I have noticed shed antlers from the east slopes of the cascades will have great lower halves and peter out at the end.  I would only guess they eat good in the spring green up and need to find good feed in the high country.  I wonder if the high country has a shorter growing season if the previous winter snows lingered  longer.  Genetics probably plays a big role in the antlers, but the debate is great fodder for the campfire.

[GUscottie]

I have noticed shed antlers from the east slopes of the cascades will have great lower halves and peter out at the end.  I would only guess they eat good in the spring green up and need to find good feed in the high country.  I wonder if the high country has a shorter growing season if the previous winter snows lingered  longer.  Genetics probably plays a big role in the antlers, but the debate is great fodder for the campfire.

Very interesting take. I do wonder whether it is feed available up high or if it is more genetics...

[buglebrush]

Genetics.

[geauxtigers]

I just got back from our cabin where there are a quite a few elk that hang out locally (the cows anyway).  I'm not as sure about the bulls as we don't see them as regularly, but I do get them on the trail cam.  This is on the west side of the cascade crest at about 2,100 feet in elevation.

Compare for yourself 7/22/16 to 6/24/17.  I think the one from this June could be pretty nice.