taxidermywoman23
4 Pointer
Posts: 80
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Joined: Oct 31, 2024 18:27:03 GMT -5
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Post by taxidermywoman23 on Jul 4, 2005 21:16:27 GMT -5
Whitetail Deer antlers are deciduous grown - which means they are shed each year. They are the fastest growing bone material in the animal world. They can grow anywhere from 1/4" to 1" a day. On older bucks that sport trophy size antlers the growth rate can be even greater. The average antler growth period is 120 days. Antler size is determined by nutrition and genetics. Both the Doe and the Buck contribute genes that control antler growth. A Whitetails peak antler growth occurs at 5 1/2 years old. As bucks age beyond 5 1/2 years old their rack size may deminish. Antler growth is triggered by the lengthening days in spring. This triggers the Pineal Gland which releases Testosterone. Testosterone is the hormne most responsible for antler growth. Antlers also slow their growth and begin to harden as the days grow shorter. New antlers are covered by velvet. The velvet is rich in blood and nerve tissue - it also consists almost completely of a protien called Collagen. The growing antlers are nourished by the velvet throughout the growing period.
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Post by Phishy on Jul 5, 2005 20:38:02 GMT -5
and once that velvet is shed, it seems the buck discover a new feeling,
hey look at me, i'm so cool,
i watched a beauty of an eight pointer prance around and almost show them off to all the does in a field and chase away all the lesser bucks, that was a hoot, this deer had a personality like a teenager that just got a new hotrod.
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