Is he in velvet?

This is the best picture I have of this buck. Do you think he is in velvet? If so, he is putting on a great deal of antler early. My other bucks are just now dropping their antlers.

definitely looks like hes in velvet!

Stag

no way that deer would have that much growth, if that date stamp is correct

X2

X3

The date stamp is correct.

It appears to me to be just a heavier horned younger buck. The sun angle and glare make him appear to be in velvet but I think he is hard horned. If you zoom in you can see several broken points.

Stag x4

Agree w stx. Young buck got his butt whooped and antlers broken.

Also his hocks are stained. So he has to have been in hard horns in order to rut.

Had to have some of those hormonal urges to grow antlers...

Stag or not in velvet.... He could not have new antler growth like that at this time of year.

cool