More often than not, hunters go after big game not just for the meat alone, but for the huge antlers that signify a successful hunt.
Deer, moose, and elk for example have some of the largest of big game antlers and serve as a great souvenir of your hunt.
Each set of antler is unique to the animal and no two sets of antlers are alike. Moose antlers in particular, are extraordinary and we’d like to share some fun facts about this big game’s antlers with you.
- Due to the fact that moose is the largest living member of the deer family, moose have the largest set of antlers. Pictures really don’t do justice for the massive size, unique shape, texture and coloring of moose antlers.
- If you pay close attention, moose antlers are commonly paired and shaped like the palm of the hand with outstretched fingers. This helps to set moose antlers apart from other big game animal antlers.
- Moose antlers really don’t serve a purpose other than for intimidation during the mating season, which is the first two weeks of October.
- A moose will begin to grow antlers once the moose has reached one year of age.
- Once a moose starts to age and reaches past its prime, the marked reversal of antler development starts to show and will continue to decline until the moose passes.
- It can be difficult to identify a moose’s age based upon antler size unless the antlers show signs of decay, which is when you know the moose is of advanced age.
- Once a moose ages, the velvet that covers the antlers begins to fall off and re-grow in the proper season. A moose will typically rub their antlers against trees and hard surfaces to get the velvet off and sometimes, a moose will eat the velvet.
Burntwood Lake Lodge has a variety of guided moose hunts available and we always welcome you to join us.