Quick Answer
Short Answer: Blacktail deer in Oregon typically start their antler growth in mid to late September, and this is often triggered by the decrease in daylight hours and the onset of fall.
Antler Growth Initiation
In Oregon’s coastal blacktail deer population, the antler growth cycle is closely tied to the deer’s photoperiod response, which is regulated by the changing daylight hours. As daylight hours decrease in late summer and early fall, the deer’s hypothalamus is stimulated to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone. This hormonal cascade triggers the initiation of antler growth, which usually begins around September 15th to 20th in coastal Oregon.
Antler Growth Patterns
Research has shown that antler growth in blacktail deer is a rapid process, with growth rates ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 inches per day. During this time, the deer’s antlers can grow up to 1 inch per week, with the majority of growth occurring within the first 4-5 weeks. In coastal Oregon, the antlers typically reach their full growth by mid-November, with the average rack size ranging from 100 to 120 inches in the main beams.
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