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Friday, September 4th, 2026

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The September shift: What happens in a buck’s life when he goes from velvet to hard antlered?

Almost all bucks strip their velvet either in the last week of August, or the first 10 days of September. This shift comes with increased testosterone, and a new set of behaviors that dictate how they establish their hierarchy, and how (and where) they establish fresh sign. It’s a time of change in the deer woods, which is something early season hunters can capitalize on if they know where to look. (File photo)

Back in turkey season, bucks started to show the first signs of antler growth. As the summer progressed, their future racks began to take shape.
Now, we are in the time period when they’ll reveal their finished products. This whole process is one of nature’s coolest, but what happens now is more than just the last chapter of a unique biological feat. It’s a time of change for bucks, and hunters should pay attention.

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