The Art of Antler Shedding: A Look into the Process Behind AWCC’s Paint an Antler Event

Paint an Antler is an annual event at AWCC where guests spend a fun afternoon at Bison Hall painting one of our very own antler sheds. These antlers come from a variety of animals, from deer and elk to caribou, all of which shed their racks during either the spring or fall seasons. We collect and clean the antlers, then invite you to paint your own! With the upcoming event, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some insight into the fascinating process of antler shedding, as well as provide a glimpse into the species you might encounter right in your own backyard.

First—check out the details for reserving your spot at the 2025 Paint an Antler! Reservations fill up quickly, so act fast to reserve your spot. For more information on the event, click here!

Thursday, February 13th, 2025 – Booking opens to those with the Soaring Eagle or Herd AWCC membership. If you have this, check your email for details on how to book early. If you are interested in purchasing a membership to receive early booking access for this event, click here! (**Disclaimer** To receive early access, you must have either the Soaring Eagle or Herd membership.)

Saturday, February 15th, 2025 – Booking opens to all! Click here to reserve your spot.

Sunday, March 9th, 2025 – Paint an Antler will be held in Bison Hall from 11AM – 2PM. Remember, your reservation includes admission into the center, so feel free to roam around to see the animals!

AWCC Animals & Beyond!

Reindeer/Caribou
Reindeer and caribou are actually the same species; the difference lies in that reindeer are domesticated while caribou are wild. What’s particularly interesting about these animals is that both males and females grow antlers, but they shed them at different times. Males typically shed their antlers in late fall, between November and mid-December, after the mating season (rut). Since males use their antlers to attract mates and fend off other males, once the rut ends, they no longer need them, and they shed them. Females, on the other hand, shed their antlers in the spring after giving birth to their calves. Their antlers serve as protection against predators and help them guard their food supply during their pregnancy.

Elk & Sitka Black-Tailed Deer
Bull elk generally shed their antlers in spring, typically between mid- and late-March, though this can vary depending on several factors such as the severity of winter, the animal’s age, and the timing of the rut. For example, if the winter is mild, elk may shed their antlers earlier. Older bull elk often shed their antlers before younger ones, and an early mating season can also cause an earlier shed. After the mating season ends, bull elk experience a decrease in testosterone, which leads to the shedding of their antlers. This allows them to conserve energy for the winter months, as their focus shifts from attracting mates to finding food to survive.

Moose
Though we don’t currently have any bull moose at AWCC, we can’t forget about these long-legged animals. Bull moose shed their antlers during a period of low testosterone in January, a process known as “casting.” As daylight shortens in the winter, testosterone levels drop, causing the antlers to loosen from the skull. This shedding process helps conserve energy, which is crucial during winter when food is more scarce.

Antler Removal at AWCC: While many of our animals shed their antlers naturally, we commonly remove antlers from the residents. Males tend to use their antlers to spar other males, which can lead to injury among the herd. To decrease the risk of our animals getting hurt, we often remove a male’s antlers after they’ve finished growing. This does not hurt the animal and is done while the animal is sedated and under the care of our veterinary staff.