aging antlers

[bnsafe]

how fast do elk branch out. will a spike be a 4x4 his second year. I realize we are talking generalities here with nothing set. just wondering how old an elk is before he reaches colorados magic 4x4

[Jaquomo]

Genetics and nutrition play a big part, but yes, almost always somewhere between a 3x and a even a spindly little 6x the second year. That's partly why the CDOW modified the 4 pt rule to include a brow tine, as 3x bulls that were 2 1/2 years old were being shot and left in the woods.

I found a couple left like that during the first year of the "4x" antler restriction when I was guiding rifle hunters. In one case I actually saw the guy shoot it across the valley, but he took off after ground-checking it and I wasn't able to catch up with him on foot.

[Swede]

I have killed 5x5s and 4x4s that were 2 1/2 years old. They are the same size as a spike and have hollow ivories.

[bnsafe]

good, I saw several spikes this year so they should be legal next year