Totally dumb question about Elk

[rabbitstew]

I was in the mountains today and spotted a herd of elk. One of the bulls had a full antler rack. My question is haven't elk shed their antlers by now? I know bucks have.

[MuzzleFlash]

From our northern neighbors (Q #2)

http://gf.state.wy.us/support/faq/index.asp?faqid=6

[AUSyTyIN]

Ummm..., no. They should have shed the velvet by now. They shed their antlers over winter.

[Mtn.man]

alot of them are growing at this time some have taller more developed racks and some are just stubbs. They grow at a very fast rate. They will be in velvet till mid summer early fall. Usually by archery season they have rubbed it all off.
saw 9 bulls Sun morn some were only 6" or so and some were 2' already.

[sniper7]

alot of them are growing at this time some have taller more developed racks and some are just stubbs. They grow at a very fast rate. They will be in velvet till mid summer early fall. Usually by archery season they have rubbed it all off.
saw 9 bulls Sun morn some were only 6" or so and some were 2' already.

this.

[rabbitstew]

Thanks.

[theGinsue]

I don't think that was a dumb question at all; in fact, I'm glad you asked.

I was unaware of much of this info. I thought they dropped their antlers in March - April time frame and immediately started growing new ones out but they couldnt possibly be more than a few inches yet.

THIS is why I love this site. It's like entertainment and education all rolled up into one!

[Mtn.man]

OFF TOPIC

I had a Moose walk thru today, just has about 3 or 4"s of antler starting. seems he has been all around the area up here since last week. Got so interested forgot to look for the camera and get a pic.

OK sorry for the HiJacking.