During growth, antlers are covered with sensitive skin commonly referred to as “velvet.” This velvet is filled with blood vessels that feed the antlers the vitamins and the minerals necessary for bone building. Antler growth can range from 2-4 months; after this time, a hardened ring forms at the base of the antlers(burr) that shuts off blood flow to the antlers. As a result, the velvet deteriorates, dries up, and falls off, often assisted by the buck, which rubs his antlers against tree bark.
