looduskalender.ee

The first antlers of young roe deer bucks grow in October as Arne’s photo shows. These aren’t proper antlers – rather preliminary markers of sex. In late winter-early spring the mature bucks begin to grow their antlers. Young deer bucks shed the little sticks growing now in February, to have a first proper set of antlers in March-April, but for that year it is still just stick or spike antlers. Impressive three-pronged antlers generally belong to four to five years old bucks.
In October adult bucks begin to shed their racks, and this process lasts into December. A forest rambler can sometimes be lucky and make a find. Experienced foresters are sure to know areas where it is at least worth looking for antlers.