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!

 

[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!

 

[AshleyWY]

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.View attachment 832054

Ha! I never thought about that with the taxidermy piece, :-D Now it makes sense why I saw a few bucks in velvet and a few hard antlered the other day...!

That's a beautiful buck you got there!!! When I was living down in Kalaupapa, we had some really big, beautiful bucks living in the Settlement, but it's like they knew to stay put in the "residential" area because they couldn't legally be hunted (sorta like elk on refuges...I swear they know!). The axis deer I've seen topside are pretty scrawny, and up until the other night, it's been incredibly dry here, so not much forage for the poor things.

If I read it correctly, the buck to doe ratio here is wild. I'd be just as happy to bag a doe because aside from the DELICIOUS meat, I am really after the hide. It's so beautiful!

But those beautiful velvety antlers...woo! That's one gorgeous buck!

Thanks for your response!

 

[AshleyWY]

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.

johnarth,

Thank you so much for your response! Anytime I'm out on adventures with new hunting partners, I often question whether or not certain actions are truly ethical. I appreciate your explanation of things, and your response eases my mind for my hunt on Monday! Thanks for taking the time to respond!

 

[AshleyWY]

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!

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!

 

[AshleyWY]

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.

Oh wow! Good to know! Thanks for the response, Bugger!

 

[AshleyWY]

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!

Wow, I didn't know that with mule deer -- I guess you learn something new everyday! Thanks for your response!