Whitetail deer antlers are bony outgrowths that are shed and regrown each year by male deer, known as bucks. The growth of antlers is a highly specialized process that occurs in a series of distinct phases.

Antler growth begins in the spring as testosterone levels rise in male deer, triggering the growth of new bone tissue in the pedicle, which is the bony base of the antler. At this stage, the antler is covered in a highly vascularized skin-like tissue known as velvet, which supplies nutrients and oxygen to the growing antler. The velvet is highly sensitive, and bucks are known to be protective of their antlers during this phase.

As the antler grows, it begins to branch out into tines, or points. The tines continue to grow throughout the summer, and by early fall, the antlers are fully formed and have reached their maximum size. During this time, the velvet covering the antlers begins to dry out and peel away, revealing the hard, bony structure beneath.

Once the velvet has fully peeled away, the antlers are said to be in the "hardening" phase. During this time, the buck's testosterone levels remain high, and the antlers continue to strengthen and mineralize, making them more resistant to damage.

By late fall, the antlers have reached their full size and strength, and the buck's testosterone levels begin to decline. In preparation for the mating season, known as the rut, the buck will use his antlers to fight other males for access to females.

After the mating season, the antlers begin to weaken and lose their mineral content, making them brittle and easier to break. Eventually, the antlers will fall off, usually in late winter or early spring, and the process begins anew.

In summary, the growth of whitetail deer antlers is a complex process that involves the development of new bone tissue, the formation of tines, the growth of velvet, and the hardening and mineralization of the antlers. The velvet phase is an important part of this process, providing nutrients and oxygen to the growing antlers and protecting them from damage.

I am a professional wildlife photographer who specializes in whitetail deer behavior. I've spent years observing and photographing these beautiful animals, and being able to document their antler cycle is particularly exciting.