Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Losing Velvet

The bucks in my area are rapidly losing the velvet that has nourished their antlers all summer. It looks like this young buck has just lost his in the last 24 hours. The red on his antlers is blood left from the velvet shedding. The antlers will now harden as the bucks start marking their territory and fighting to determine who the dominate bucks are.





14 comments:

Samantha said...

VERY cool! I've never seen them so soon after they have lost velvet.. Thanks for sharing!

Nancy said...

Looks pretty raw at this stage. Love coming here, Joe. I learn so much! :) Hope you are having a great evening.

TexWisGirl said...

just seems like such a brutal process to go through every year.

Ola said...

they are still so cute!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Wow I love seeing the velvet I did not know why it was red. Thank you Joe. B

Unknown said...

I am hoping for some of those same type pics this week.

Anonymous said...

A lot of the bucks that I have seen are all of velvet in my area as well, it is that time of year. I can't wait to get out there.

Sandy said...

I have never seen a buck so soon after losing his velvet. I didn't realize their antlers would bleed. Interesting.

Michaele said...

Well don't I feel stupid. I grew up in Wyoming and was around deer all the time and never knew this!

Brian King said...

Nice young buck! Hopefully, he'll get to walk another season or two and really mature. Great shots post-velvet!

Liesl said...

Handsome buck! Those antlers looks a bit sore...I wonder if they have any feeling there..?

Larry Ostby said...

Whoa, he's a nice one. His antlers, like many this time of year are fine examples of their rutting weaponry. Nice series of photos Joe.

trump said...

I have been asked but never had the heart to go hunting. Happy fall everyone. Richard

MedaM said...

How interesting! Wonderful post and great photos!