Bucks are rare to come across on a hike in New York. It is rare to even see them when driving. You normally will see does and fawns. I am excited I got the chance two times to see this guy from a distance on hikes before sunset.
It appears he has an outer velvety coating on his antlers. They almost look glued on or fake. I wonder if this is a teenager or full grown adult. Anyone have any idea? I have seen it with one other deer, a female both times. If you are in the U. S. enjoy your bank holiday tomorrow (Juneteenth) if you have off.
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
Wow, his antlers do look so velvety and glued on :)! Nature is so interesting. I loved seeing deer in my backyard when I lived in Maryland. The baby fawns are especially cute.
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Lots of babies this year. Seeing them next to the road though makes me nervous. Their parents don’t always make the right decisions near the road.
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Cars make no sense to them, I hope the can find areas away from the roads.
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It is getting harder for them I fear. Much more wide open spaces in Texas.
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Yes but Texas heat at 100 degrees plus! I wish there were more preserves for wildlife.
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I think there was a nice one in the Rio Grande Valley near the gulf I was able to visit. Search around. The state and national parks may be good as well.
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From what I have seen, later on in the season that velvet rubs off – or they rub it off by scratching against trees – and it hangs in strips. It looks gory and red when it is fresh. It amazes me still that deer grow antlers each year – it seems such a lot of energy used to make something that just falls off at the end of the season.
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I’ve seen the velvety covering hang off of the antlers of a deer in England. It was around July or August at the latest. It actually looked like the deer was in pain, but maybe it was more annoyed at it all.
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And there you go. Taking a walk can be sweet with rewards like this. And you said you never see them? jerry
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I have many times seen does and fawns on walks. This is the first buck I’ve seen on a hike. That’s why I wonder if it was still younger.
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Wow! I can’t think of any times I’ve seen a male deer with antlers like these. Great shot!
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I’ve seen him twice before dark. I feel lucky! I’m guessing this is how they grow then the velvety layer comes off. I’ve seen it happen in England. Goes to show the male deer really are great at staying away from people in NY.
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Oh, those antlers are precious! I would love to give them a wee stroke…but know you can’t.
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They sure look soft. I keep my distance and could not believe he let me see him.
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A lucky moment. 🦌
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Yes indeed!
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That’s a fabulous picture, Sharon. The antlers really look velvety. I never noticed prior to this and now I’ll have to google this phenomenon. Great job!
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I first saw this with a deer in the Cotswolds in England. He was in the process of shedding his velvety cover. in either July or August that year. Since it is rare to see a male deer in NY hiking or driving we miss this stage of the growth of antlers.
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When you say NY and all I imagine are the sprawling skyscrapers. Picturing wildlife and my mind goes to Will Smith’s movie, I am legend. 😊 Over the top I know.
Anyway, thanks to this post, I know better now. Have a great day, Sharon!
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When people think of New York they think of NYC. Most of the state is actually rural. There are many lakes, mountains and woods.
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