What are antlers?

In the majority of deer species, like fallow deer, only the males have antlers. These are used as weapons during the rut and are symbols of rank.
 

• Whilst growing antlers are covered in a soft and furry skin called velvet; veins beneath the velvet supply blood to the developing antler.
• When growth is complete in late August, the velvet dries and peels off leaving an antler of hard bone. These are carried until the following spring when they are cast and replaced by a larger set the following year.