Antlers are a sex linked trait found in the deer family. Antlers originate from a germinal center in the frontal bones. They are soft and spongy while growing and have a soft velvety covering with a rich blood supply. When the annual growth is completed a band of connective tissue "tightens" around the base of the antler and the blood supply to the velvet is cut off. This causes the velvet to shed.  The connective tissue band continues to tighten around the antler and eventually cuts off the blood supply and the antler dies and is shed. Unlike the horn which is permanent the antler is lost yearly. As males in the deer family age they grow a larger "rack of antlers" yearly.

Mark Haineault

Wildife Illusions by Heads Or Tails Taxidermy

Battle Creek, MI