Wildlife Wednesday. What is happening in the Estes Valley right now?

by Andy Ames

Mule deer are starting to loose their antlers. It seems like every day I see more and more antlerless bucks. Following the Mule deer rut, buck’s testosterone level drops off quickly. You have likely noticed their activity changes from chasing does to eating and conserving energy. Also, with this drop in testosterone cells called osteoclasts de-mineralize the base of the antlers along an abscission line. This weakens the antler attachment, eventually allowing the antler to fall off, or shed. Don’t worry, though, in a few weeks a new set of antlers will start their cycle again.

Please note, antler collecting is forbidden on public land west of I-25 until the end of April to limit stress on deer during this vulnerable time of year. Antler collecting is illegal any time of year in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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For the first day or so after shedding antlers the top of the buck’s pedicles (the part of the scull where the antlers attach) is like an open wound and may even bleed a little.

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Something is missing here. The buck on the right has recently shed his antlers.

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Buck likely be shedding his antlers soon.

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Freshly shed antlers. These two were shed very close to each other. (January 15, 2021)