Why do deer have antlers?

introduction

The antler is one of the fastest growing tissue on earth known to man. Antlers are a tissue that grow very fast. It's not consistent day to day growth. Instead most growth of the antler happens in spurts.

Facts About Velvet

A deer's antlers are covered by velvet while they are growing. Velvet has small hair like fibers that allow a buck to have feeling on his head. The velvet on a buck's antlers are like little hairs that help it feel things.

How Long to Grow

Growing antlers takes a toll on a deer's body. It's a lot of work for deer to grow antlers.

Unlike horns on cattle which are permanent male deer lose and regrow their antlers every year. Deer antlers are not like cattle horns which are permanent.

Deer Antlers

Usually only bucks (male deer) have antlers. While it is very uncommon, it is possible for doe (female deer) to have antlers and has happened before.

Tips About Deer Antlers

If you want a buck with a big rack of antlers (a bunch of antlers) you should let the male deer grow to older ages. Each year a buck will regrow larger antler, so not hunting young bucks is the best thing you can do if a trophy buck is your goal.