Nature’s crowns: a fascinating dive into animal antlers

What can antlers tell hunters?

For Riccardo Tamburini, antlers are not just the crowning glory of the game they pursue; they are a benchmark of natural beauty and a crucial indicator of a deer’s health and genetic status. “The better they are, the more desired the animal that has them on its head,” says Riccardo, emphasizing that the goal isn’t always to harvest the most impressive but rather the right animal for the ecosystem and genetic diversity.

He notes that antlers are not reliable age indicators. Instead, they reflect health and genetic potential, particularly in species like red and fallow deer, known as “capital breeders”, due to their slow and extensive antler development cycle, peaking around 10-12 years. Conversely, roe deer, described as “income breeders”, grow antlers quickly and complete their development in just three years, with less influence from genetics. 

Martin Brožek from Czech Republic, however, delves deeper into the ecological and biological importance of antlers. He explains that antlers are not just ornamental but are deeply embedded in the biological and ecological narratives of the animals that bear them.

“Antlers are barometers of environmental quality and animal health,” Martin notes. “Poor environmental conditions – such as low food availability, high competition, or inadequate habitat – can directly impact antler development.”

Poor environmental conditions – low food availability, high competition, or inadequate habitat – can directly impact antler development.

Martin Brožek

However, Martin cautions that antlers, while indicative, do not solely represent the overall health of the deer. “A roe deer might sport impressive large antlers due to favorable genetic traits yet may carry diseases or genetic weaknesses that are not immediately obvious,” he says.

Matt Roberts, a hunter from the UK, also explains that antlers generally provide a reliable indication of gender, although they are not foolproof. He notes that during the period after males have shed their antlers, it’s possible to mistake them for females, so it’s essential to consider other physical traits such as size and frame. Despite the potential for error, advancements in technology have significantly reduced the likelihood of such mistakes.

That’s where thermal devices come into play

One way to minimize errors is using advanced thermal technology. “I’ve been fortunate to test the Merger Duo NXP50 this season on a roebuck,” says Matt Roberts.

The hunter was very impressed by the Merger Duo NXP50 binoculars, which offer dual-channel functionality with a thermal channel for spotting targets and a 4K digital night vision channel for clear identification in low-light conditions. He likes the device for its ability to quickly switch between modes and its adjustable infrared illuminator, which allows for precise, close-range encounters.

The binoculars not only help in the identification of deer but also record these encounters for detailed later review. This feature has been invaluable, enabling Roberts to share his findings with fellow hunters, thereby enhancing their collective understanding of deer antler characteristics.

Riccardo Tamburini is also an advocate of using thermal technology to precisely observe antlers. He advises adjusting the settings for optimal visibility, suggesting the use of a “black hot” color palette to make the cold, dark antlers stand out against a light background.

Antlers are barometers of environmental quality and animal health.

Martin Brožek

Conclusion

Antlers are surprisingly fascinating, aren’t they? Next time you spot a deer, take a moment to appreciate its headgear. Remember, they’re not just for show – antlers offer valuable insights into the animals themselves. This knowledge empowers hunters to make more sustainable and responsible decisions.