Velvet on Late in Florida
Filed under: Ask Grant, Deer Biology
I live in north Florida and just got a picture of one of the largest rack bucks on our property ever. Why would he still be in velvet? I have never seen a buck still in velvet this time of the year. I have heard that he may have injured his testes and if so would he still rut? The picture we got of him was at an active scrape. Thanks for any info you might have on this! James
James,
There are multiple reasons why bucks hold their velvet late. Having an image of the buck in a scrape is encouraging! However, I doubt an accurate diagnosis can be made without handling the buck.
Let me know if you harvest this buck or get any more clues!
Grant
