Antelope Growth
- Thread starter JPSeveland
- Start date
They never stop growing throughout the year but by July, he's most likely where he gonna be come August and September. But those horns never truly stop, they'll add not eye noticeable but maybe a little noticeable in the measuring process, during the July, August, September months.
Ditto that. Several years ago a game & fish guy down by Rawlins told me that they are adding mass during the summer but by the end of summer the added growth is negligible. Makes sense to me. I've never seen any studies but the common consensus is that wet summers produce better horn growth. I don't know if it's true or not. I would think the severity of the winter would have a lot to do with horn growth.
ssliger
Very Active Member
They grow the cutters and tops in late winter, early spring. Then they grow the bottoms spring thru early summer. So if you have a mild winter with good forage, they should grow good cutters and mass. Then a wet spring, you will get the good bottom length and mass. Bad winter, wet spring equals poor cutters, but good height. Good winter, spring summer drought equals good cutters, but shorter horns.
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One thing I would add that may or may not be true. A wet spring and summer may help make good tops for next year because of the added forage for the upcoming winter. There is a study I read somewhere in which the author predicted antler growth based on last years weather. I paid attention to the sheds from the elk refuge a couple years ago following the previous year's ideal weather. That spring I scored the largest elk sheds ever recorded on the refuge, a 430 - 440 bull along with some other great bulls so that study may have some merit.
Thank you for the info guys! So if you were to start scouting july would be the best month to do so?
missjordan
Veteran member
I'd assume the closer to hunting season the better would give you the best results on guaging their horn size.
ssliger
Very Active Member
I start scouting in July. I think it's the best time here in Wyoming.
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