Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

tiates antler growth. The secretion of these hormones is triggered by
photoperiod (day-length). There are two phases in the antler cycle. First
is the antler genesis, or growth period, in which the antlers are growing,
living structures encased by a soft covering called “velvet”. The second
phase is the death, or hardening, of the antlers. In this phase, the antlers
ossify and the buck rubs off the velvet covering. Antlers typically begin
growing in April and mature by September. In late winter and early
spring, in response to dropping hormone levels, antlers are shed and the
whole process begins anew. Mature bucks use their antlers as a sexual
display to receptive females and, to a lesser extent, to defend themselves
against predators. They also use them to create rubs associated with
breeding and to fight and spar with other bucks.
Antler size is dependent upon nutrition, age, and genetics.
Healthy bucks with access to good nutrition will grow a larger set of
antlers than bucks on lesser quality diets each year until they reach
their prime (5-1/2 to 7-1/2 years of age). While antler volume may increase
with age, the number of points may not. There is little correlation
between antler points and age in most regions. Other measures, such
as main antler beam length, antler spread, and antler circumference,
usually are better indicators of a buck’s age.
The debate continues among deer biologists, managers, and
hunters as to whether spike antlers in yearling bucks are an indicator
of poor antler potential. This controversy stems from research conducted
with captive deer in Texas suggesting antler quality is primarily
governed by genetics (Harmel 1982). Based on this research, the removal
of spike antlered bucks is commonly practiced throughout much
of Texas. Removing all spikes is not an appropriate management strat-
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