Thoughts on shed drop and antler growth?

[Ringtail]

So I had a conversation with a friend a couple days ago on antler growth after seeing a couple of our bigger bucks still holding their racks well into April now. I brought up the question if timing of antler drop affects future  antler growth? Like if a buck dropped in January that buck would hypothetically have more time for future antler growth and as a result have larger antlers by the end of the growing season than if he dropped in say March or April? Not sure if my logic here is accurate but I’ve never had this topic come up before so I wanted to see what you all thought.

[Lunatic]

No expert here, and in fact I don't think even experts know for sure, but I don't think the timing of antler drop has anything to with antler growth. Whatever triggers antler growth would make the old antler drop, IMO.

[Live to Hunt]

Yea its a good question 

[Gobblengrunt]

It seems regardless of when a buck drops his antlers, they all start growing at about the same time.  Then ive seen bucks shed velet from early august to late September too.  Testosterone levels determine when antlers drop.  So the “growing season” seems fairly consistent 

[Rusty]

Interesting observation and good question Ringtail.  Sounds like a good research project for someone studying wildlife management.  

I would agree with the others, it probably doesn't affect antler growth.  

 

[Pathman]

Below article may provide some insight. Doesn’t appear to be a conclusive answer however. 

https://www.qdma.com/mild-winters-mean-smaller-antlers/

[Rusty]

9 minutes ago, Pathman said:

Below article may provide some insight. Doesn’t appear to be a conclusive answer however. 

https://www.qdma.com/mild-winters-mean-smaller-antlers/

Interesting article Pathman.  

[Livesintrees]

New growth is gonna push them out. I’ve had half racks since late December 

[Live to Hunt]

4 hours ago, Pathman said:

Below article may provide some insight. Doesn’t appear to be a conclusive answer however. 

https://www.qdma.com/mild-winters-mean-smaller-antlers/

Thanks for sharing 

[Buck154]

7 hours ago, Gobblengrunt said:

It seems regardless of when a buck drops his antlers, they all start growing at about the same time.  Then ive seen bucks shed velet from early august to late September too.  Testosterone levels determine when antlers drop.  So the “growing season” seems fairly consistent