Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Huntbear on March 28, 2009, 01:55:58 PM
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I was driving up to my sisters and there is an elk farm there in Molalla. Some of the bulls are growing new antlers already, others have not even lost theirs from last year yet. I was just wondering if there was a correlation between being a captive elk and shedding antlers whenever?
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I was at the Oak Creek Feeding station last week and saw two bulls. One bull still had his antlers. The other bull had lost his and already had at least 6 inches of growth. This is what I understand about elk and deer on how soon they shed their antlers.
It has to do with their health sort of. The theory is is that the harder they rut and breed the worse shape and the worse health they will be in. THerefore the sooner they will lose their antlers. The less they rut and the less they breed the better health they will be in and therefore the longer they will keep their antlers.
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:dunno:
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It sure seems to vary by area, season and individual animals. I think there may be a few variables that effect the timing. We saw 3 un-shed bulls a week ago in the lower Lewis River valley. 2 four points and a five point. What amazes me is how fast they do grow after the old set is shed.
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A buddy of mine says he saw the same thing in the Blues last weekend. Several bulls already sprouting, and one big 7X7 still packin'. I came up on a herd last year turkey hunting in Dayton. 5 bulls all growing velvet, and one 5 point still packin' his left side. He dropped it for me when they moved to the next ridge, which I thought was quite considerate of him... :)
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That sure was nice of him.
