Is There an Itch Associated with Antler Shedding?
Filed under: Ask Grant, Deer Biology
Several of my peers as well as myself have noticed Young Bucks (in person as well as trail cameras) rubbing their ears and forehead like crazy this time of the year. I speculate the area around the buttons and small antlers may “itch” like when a scab is forming. Does this have any scientific backing? Can these areas itch before the antlers or buttons shed? Michael
Michael,
Great observation! I agree with your theory. However, I don’t know of any scientists that have researched irritation or “itch” associated with the antler shedding process. One of the great features of my job as a deer biologist is that I’ll never run out of fun research projects!
Growing Deer together,
Grant
