at what age do elk grow antlers
The average elk antlers have about 6 points per side. Some elk bucks grow antlers with up to 10 points on each side, weighing up to 40 lbs., and measuring up to 5 ft in length. This usually occurs when the buck is about 11 years old, and the antlers tend to get smaller after that. This remarkable amount of growth occurs within a period of two months. Elk antlers are composed of bone, not like horns of other animals which are largely made up of the protein keratin. Growing antlers are about 80% protein and 20% ash.