RE: Velvet Antlers

[AshleyWY]

Genuine question: Is there any ethical reason not to take a velvet buck? I just went hunting on Moloka'i for the first time the other day, and our party came upon plenty of axis deer. The vast majority of the deer were does and fawns that were, sadly, quite emaciated. We also came upon just a few bucks...a stag or two and others in velvet. Something made me think that taking a velvet buck was unethical, but now I can't remember why. I may genuinely be confusing this idea with a visit to a reindeer farm where we were, understandably, asked not to touch the velveted antlers of said reindeer. Any advice here?

(Also, I need to work on my trigger flinching. No deer were taken on the recent hunt, but we plan to try again on Monday!)

 

[Taudisio]

Genuine question: Is there any ethical reason not to take a velvet buck? I just went hunting on Moloka'i for the first time the other day, and our party came upon plenty of axis deer. The vast majority of the deer were does and fawns that were, sadly, quite emaciated. We also came upon just a few bucks...a stag or two and others in velvet. Something made me think that taking a velvet buck was unethical, but now I can't remember why. I may genuinely be confusing this idea with a visit to a reindeer farm where we were, understandably, asked not to touch the velveted antlers of said reindeer. Any advice here?

(Also, I need to work on my trigger flinching. No deer were taken on the recent hunt, but we plan to try again on Monday!)

I’ve taken a handful of velvet bucks during archery seasons. I can’t think of a reason it would be unethical. I love seeing velvet taxidermy when it’s done well. Good luck on Monday!

 

[AshleyWY]

Thank you so much for your response! I must have been confusing the two scenarios I described above in my head. Thanks for verifying for me, and for the well wishes!

 

[johnarth]

Genuine question: Is there any ethical reason not to take a velvet buck? I just went hunting on Moloka'i for the first time the other day, and our party came upon plenty of axis deer. The vast majority of the deer were does and fawns that were, sadly, quite emaciated. We also came upon just a few bucks...a stag or two and others in velvet. Something made me think that taking a velvet buck was unethical, but now I can't remember why. I may genuinely be confusing this idea with a visit to a reindeer farm where we were, understandably, asked not to touch the velveted antlers of said reindeer. Any advice here?

(Also, I need to work on my trigger flinching. No deer were taken on the recent hunt, but we plan to try again on Monday!)



My youngest bro aslo discussed it with a hunting expert who visit his company gouttieredrummondville.ca office for a gutter project. so don't worry about it.

i think there’s no ethical issue with hunting a velvet buck, as long as it's within legal seasons and regulations. Velvet antlers are still growing and sensitive, but they're not off-limits in ethical hunting practices. It’s great that you’re thinking through these things.

 

[HandgunHTR]

The only reason not to shoot a velvet buck is that it costs almost twice as much to get the taxidermy done on it.

Also with Axis deer, they don't follow the same pattern as WT in that some will be in velvet while the others are hard-antlered.

Here is my velvet Axis from the last time I hunted them.

 

[Bugger]

I may genuinely be confusing this idea with a visit to a reindeer farm where we were, understandably, asked not to touch the velveted antlers of said reindeer.

could have been out of caution. Dead velvet rots quickly without refrigeration and can cause a serious infection.
Otherwise, never heard of anything negative about shooting one other than the extra work it requires.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

No ethical problems, couldn’t even think of one if I tried. On the contrary, with mule deer I prefer to hunt them in velvet, I think it’s better table fare. Good luck!