British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

What happens to antlers during the shedding process in winter?

1. They remain intact until summer

2. They are resorbed back into the skull

3. They crumble due to cold weather

4. They are lost without any harm to the animal

The correct answer is: They are resorbed back into the skull

The shedding process of antlers is a fascinating and vital aspect of a deer’s life cycle. During winter, antlers go through a natural process of resorption, where the bone material is reabsorbed by the animal's body. This occurs as the animal's hormone levels change, particularly as testosterone decreases after the breeding season. The body utilizes the calcium and phosphorus from the antlers to support other physiological processes, effectively nourishing the animal during a time when food may be scarce. This biological process enables the deer to conserve energy and resources for survival in harsher conditions, allowing them to be healthier and more resilient as they approach the next growth cycle in spring. Once the antler is fully resorbed, it will eventually be shed, making room for new antlers to grow during the budding season. Conversely, other options describe scenarios that do not accurately represent the biological facts surrounding antler shedding. Antlers do not stay intact until summer, nor do they crumble due to cold weather. The animal does lose them, but this is a protective and necessary process rather than an injury or harm that the animal sustains.