Antlers, the boney structures deer, elk and moose, produce anew each summer are a reason why so many people admire Wisconsin's white-tailed deer.  In general, only the males produce a set of antlers each summer and then drop them during the winter.  A few females do the same, but losing their antlers or even the velvet from the antlers, are less regular.

Antlers are among the fastest growing tissue in mammals, sometimes adding a quarter inch of new length on each of the growing tips every day.  These head adornments appear and are largest when they are growing because they are covered with other tissues, modified hairs, skin, and lots of arteries and veins.

The outer tissues are shed in early September by rubbing against saplings, fences and numerous other objects.  In most cases, the shedding is completed in 24 hours. 

The boney portions that remain become extremely hard but may break when deer fight with one another in October and November.

Now, during August, is the best antler viewing time to see large antlers covered with velvet.  When the tips become more pointed, instead of knobby, the antler is likely done growing.