Horn growth

[Watimberghost]

Hard horned still??

[fishnfur]

     This thread seems to be going in circles, or sideways.  At least I had a good laugh - thanks Skyvalhunter!

[DOUBLELUNG]

I noticed more early droppers this year, but new growth already.  That’s weird.

   If memory serves, antler growth is driven by testosterone and daylight photo-period, which should(in theory) be at it's lowest levels this time of year.  Somewhere around late-March into April is when new antler growth should begin, just as the days start making substantial gains in daylight around the Vernal Equinox. 

The third variable is body condition.  When body fat and muscle mass are adequate, antler growth starts soon after antlers drop.  Antler growth is slowed or delayed if body stores need to be replenished first. 

[Mallardmasher]

As Doublelung stated, Antlers begin to grow as soon as last years are dropped, but low body condition, stress, and low quality browse, hinder their growth. It still starts, as soon as others are dropped, but not noticeable, until body weight is replenished, and the brows has started new growth, and becomes more valuable. So now that body weight is replenished, we start shifting to higher protein. And trace min's and the horn's will really start to take off. My favorite time of year. The growth will amaze you, with the correct supplementation.

[Eric M]

As Doublelung stated, Antlers begin to grow as soon as last years are dropped, but low body condition, stress, and low quality browse, hinder their growth. It still starts, as soon as others are dropped, but not noticeable, until body weight is replenished, and the brows has started new growth, and becomes more valuable. So now that body weight is replenished, we start shifting to higher protein. And trace min's and the horn's will really start to take off. My favorite time of year. The growth will amaze you, with the correct supplementation.

This made me think about the time I took my granddaughter to NW Trek. The animals in there had some amazing growth for that time of year compared with the groups of animals I'd been watching in the wild earlier that week. I don't know if that's feed or lower stress?

[Mallardmasher]

Both, quality supplementation, will build the body stores after a stressful period. I.e. Rut, hard winter, pregnancy or fawning/lactating.

[Eric M]

Saw a nice 4 point buck still packing both sides today.