RE: Antler Growth?
Antlers are one of nature's most remarkable accomplishments. The speed at
which antlers grow, also makes them the fastest growing structures in the
animal kingdom.
Antler growth in bucks begins when they are fawns. However, buck fawns
never grow antlers larger than short "buttons," or pedicles, which on rare
occasions become hardened. These pedicles then develop into the buck¹s
first spike or branched antlers, when he is a yearling (1 1/2 years old).
Antler size then continues to increase each additional year until peaking
generally at age 6 1/2 or 7 1/2.
Bucks begin growing their antlers in late-winter or early spring, within
weeks of when the previous year's antlers are shed. Antlers grow very
slowly at first, but by late-May, antlers are rapidly growing. Antler
growth is usually complete by the end of August. The velvet then hardens
and falls off during September. The hardened, polished antlers remain
until they are shed during December through April, depending on location
and management practices.
Unanimous source