In late summer/early autumn, the shortening of day length triggers a buck’s antlers to cease growing and gradually shed its velvet. Each year new antlers emerge from the pedicile, the connection point to the skull, and while all pediciles are unique (like finger prints), some may also be distorted by injuries, etc. Once the velvet is off and the bone-like antler is hardened and polished they are used to spar with other males and impress potential mates.
