Spike still in velvet??

[Mike_Parson]

While scouting an area here in NM this weekend we saw 2 spikes that were both still in full velvet. sure seemed strange this late in the year to see this. is this unusual or normal? does this have any bearing or indication of how far the rut might be? one spike had horns every bit of 30+" in length.

[powderhogg01]

trail cam footage from last week has a big 5x6 still full velvet, a few 4's also in velvet... looks like we might see some velvet on the meat pole this year, that would be neat... velvet muley and velvet elk in the same season... now I am just dreaming out loud

[ElkNut1]

Spikes can go hard horned or keep velvet the rest of the year. Not unusual at all. No bearing on the beginning of the rut.

ElkNut1

[Mike_Parson]

THanks Paul. i was worried it was a bad sign for us. in 2 weeks if i see that spike he might just take a dirt nap. it was cool to see a spike with horns that long still in velvet.

[Ironman]

Spike bulls are to young and are not going to rub out like three year old bulls getting ready for the rut. I have several spike bull at my place and they are still moving with the cows, I'm sure when they move out of mommies house they will rub out the same as the other bulls, which have started to rub out already.