Ask The Biologist

Damage to velvet racks manifests after the antler hardens, too.

QUESTION: I shot this amazing buck two years ago. I always assumed the two indentations where made by some type of insect. Is that true? If so, what is it?

ANSWER: There are several possibilities as to what might cause holes or indentations in antlers. During the growth stage, antlers are covered and protected by a thin layer of skin we call velvet. Should a spot in that skin become compromised, by an insect or some physical injury, the antler will continue growing around the damaged spot, which can then result in a tubular indentation or hole.

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