The genital organs have been active during the time theseantlers have been growing. The energy from their secretionhas been diverted and has contributed to the growing of thenew antlers. The amount and quality of food that the buckgets and the virility of his genital glands are reflected in thesize of the antlers.
Along in September, a constriction develops at the base ofthe new antlers; this cuts off most of the circulation andthe antlers begin to dry up and harden. As the antlers shrink,the velvet covering wrinkles and loosens. It is at this time thaithe bucks rub their antlers on the trees thus removing thecovering. By the first of October the new antlers gleam likeToledo blades.
