I have seen bulls with horns into april already while turkey hunting on the april 15th opener. The elk ranchers will cut off the horns of the inferior bulls before the rut comes on in the fall. And as far as velvet, It was probably last years that didn't rub, unless of course it was new velvet poppoing out. I don't know what the horn market is bringing, but fresh horns a couple of years ago were bringing 14.00 a pound. He probably sells the horns.