Deer antlers are some of the fastest growing animal tissue in the world. Their rapid growth and regular shedding and regrowing make them fascinating natural wonders. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you cut off a deer’s antlers, you’re not alone.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, deer antlers will grow back if cut off, as long as the pedicle (the bony protrusion from which the antlers grow) is not damaged.
Antler Growth Cycle
Pedicle Formation
The antler growth cycle begins with pedicle formation. Pedicles are permanent protrusions of bone from the frontal bones of the deer’s skull. Around March to April, growth factors initiate pedicle formation for the upcoming set of antlers.
By late August, the pedicles are fully formed and ready to support antler growth.
Antler Growth Phase
Antler growth begins shortly after completion of pedicle formation. This phase typically lasts from March through August. It is characterized by rapid tissue growth as the antlers extend outwards from the pedicles.
The antlers are covered in velvet, a hair-covered skin layer containing blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to support antler growth. This is the phase when antlers can grow up to 2 cm per day. By late August, antler growth is complete and peak antler size is achieved.
Mineralization and Velvet Shedding
In late summer, mineralization takes place as calcium and phosphorus deposits strengthen and harden the antlers. The velvet dries up and starts shedding, exposing the hard, bone-like antlers underneath. By September, the velvet is fully removed through rubbing on trees and vegetation.
This process is known as “cleaning” and signals the end of rapid antler growth.
Antler Hardening and Maturation
With the velvet removed, the antlers continue hardening and maturing. Diameter and height of the antlers continue increasing slowly as the bone tissues become denser and compact. The antlers reach full maturity by late October to early November.
This is when bucks have the largest and strongest set of antlers to compete during the mating season.
Antler Shedding and Regrowth
After the mating season ends, the antler cycle starts again. With testosterone levels declining, special cells called osteoclasts start breaking down the pedicle-antler connection. This leads to shedding of the current set of antlers between January and April.
Shortly after shedding, the pedicles heal over and the process repeats with new antler growth beginning in spring.
Effects of Removal
Damaged vs Healthy Pedicle
The pedicle is the part of a deer’s skull where antlers grow from. If a buck’s pedicle is damaged when the antlers are removed, it can greatly impact the ability for antlers to regrow properly. According to research from the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), bucks with injuries to more than 25% of the pedicle often fail to regrow typical antlers.
However, bucks with healthy pedicles can usually regrow a full set of antlers within a few months after removal. The regrowth may result in some abnormal points or asymmetry at first. But over successive cycles, their antlers typically normalize again if the pedicles remain undamaged.
Timing of Removal
The timing of when antlers are removed also affects the rate of regrowth. Deer antlers grow rapidly for 60-90 days in the spring and summer, before the growth slows and the antlers mineralize. If antlers are removed early in the growth phase, the rate of regrowth may be more rapid.
However, research from the University of Georgia (DeerLab) found that bucks took 10 months on average to regrow a comparable set of antlers if they were removed more than a month into the growth period.
So although the antlers may mineralize on schedule, early removal can delay the return to normal size.
Nutrition for Regrowth
Ensuring deer receive adequate nutrition supports faster antler regrowth after removal. The QDMA recommends providing supplemental feed with 16-20% protein content while the antlers are growing. This helps fuel rapid growth of both the skeletal frame to support antler weight and the antlers themselves.
| Minerals | Role in Antler Growth |
| Calcium | Primary mineral that makes up antlers |
| Phosphorous | Supports bone growth and strength |
In particular, calcium and phosphorous help build bone mass and strength. Providing free-choice minerals with adequate levels of these compounds can support regeneration after antler removal.
Human Use of Antlers
Medicinal Uses
Deer antlers have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat conditions like inflammation, fever, and impotence. The antlers are harvested when they are still growing and full of blood, typically around June and July.
They contain proteins, minerals, and growth factors like insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which some believe can stimulate tissue growth and healing.
According to traditional practices, deer antler velvet is simmered in soup or tea to treat joint pain, improve immunity, boost sexual performance, and counteract aging. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.
A few small studies found IGF-1 may help build muscle and strength when paired with resistance training, but more research is needed.
While deer antler products are marketed as natural supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned some contain undeclared prescription drugs that can cause dangerous side effects. Consumers should use caution when purchasing alternative products like antler extract.
Decor and Tools
Shed antlers from deer, elk, and moose have long been used to create decor, tools, and utensils. Indigenous peoples of North America, Siberia, and Scandinavia all made items from naturally shed antlers.
Antlers are solid bone that can be carved, polished, engraved, or used “as is.” Craftspeople have made jewelry, knives, furniture accents, ladles, spoons, bowls, candle holders, buttons, drawer pulls, and many other decorative and functional objects from antlers.
Buttons carved from antlers were common on clothing in the 1800s. And shed antlers today are still popular for crafting handles for knives, multi-tools, walking sticks, and even poverty pokers used for making tinder to start fires.
Dog Chews
Antlers from deer, elk, and moose are very popular chew toys for dogs. They appeal to dogs’ natural instincts to chew and gnaw. The hard texture helps clean teeth and massage gums. Antlers can last for weeks or months, providing longer-lasting enjoyment compared to many other chews.
Pet brands like Petstages and Deluxe Naturals sell antlers sourced from farms where deer and elk are raised. Only naturally shed antlers are collected. This helps prevent injury to animals and over-harvesting from the wild.
Elk antlers are larger and last even longer than deer antlers for aggressive chewers.
It’s important to match the size of the antler to your dog. Smaller pieces are recommended for smaller dogs since they can splinter if chewed too hard. Supervision is also advised until you know your dog’s chewing habits.
Conclusion
In summary, deer antlers are remarkable structures that can fully regrow each year if the pedicle remains intact after shedding or removal. While antler removal impacts deer during the growth phase, if done properly the pedicle will regenerate another set the following season.
Deer antlers have long been used by humans as medicine, tools, decor, and dog chews. While antler removal can be done humanely and sustainably, it’s important we maintain ethical practices and let bucks keep their antlers until they naturally shed them each winter.
