Spike Elk Sheds?????

nwsteelheader · 04-02-2007, 11:56 AM

Just wondering if anyone has any good info on when spike elk typically drop their antlers...

I was at my place near Alsea this weekend and the herd was in the lower meadow. There were 3 spikes in the herd that still had last years spikes up top. No big bulls, just cows and those 3 spikes.

do spikes typically take longer to drop their antlers than big bulls? It makes sense given they don't have as much size or weight and that the new growth may be slower than with bigger/more mature bulls.

Anyone else out there seeing the same thing?

shawn

Ethical hunter · 04-02-2007, 12:13 PM

Yep, spikes take a few weeks longer to drop than the bigger bulls. They are dropping just about the time the grass and brush get high making it more difficult to find them - good luck.

EH

baltz526 · 04-02-2007, 12:37 PM

the young bulls testosterone kicks in later than mature bulls, starting antler growth later. spikes also loose their velvet later in the fall

ehunter · 04-02-2007, 01:36 PM

I have seen spikes into June with last years horns.

Antlershed · 04-02-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baltz526

the young bulls testosterone kicks in later than mature bulls, starting antler growth later. spikes also loose their velvet later in the fall

Does that hold true to deer as well? This past season I saw a spike muley on the opening day of modern firearm season that still had his velvet on.

ehunter · 04-02-2007, 03:46 PM

Not sure when that season starts but generaly both young deer and bulls can go a long ways into a season before they feel a need to rub...I have seen spike bulls well into September with velvet on...I think it depends on the time of the year they are born and maybe how soon they mature

baltz526 · 04-02-2007, 06:44 PM

i have killed deer during rifle season that where rubbing the last velvet off, and i have two spike elk with full velvet shot in the cascade general season.

Antlershed · 04-02-2007, 07:14 PM

The spike I saw in velvet was on October 14th.

OR Coast Range · 04-03-2007, 06:09 AM

On the flip side - last year I saw a blacktail spike with only one antler in Dec. (and he was rubbing like crazy on a Vine Maple to the get other side off).