There's something about a white-tailed deer with a large set of antlers that commands attention. Perhaps it's that does are so common, and big bucks are so rarely seen.

When I spot a big buck, however, my eyes go right to the rack. On the road, I slow down for a better look. If I'm in the woods, I try to get my binoculars up before the buck spots me and flees.

Antler growth begins in March or April. About six months later, growth ends and antlers made of true bone remain. Their size depends on the buck's age, genetic background and the quality of food consumed during the growth period.

Most young males show only knobby "buttons" in the fall after their birth. A buck's first set of real antlers grows during his yearling spring and summer. This first rack can vary from small spikes to 10 or more points, under ideal conditions. To be counted, a point must be at least 1 inch long.

While developing, growing bone is engorged with blood vessels and nerves and covered with fuzzy skin called "velvet." At this time, the velvet is sensitive and subject to injury, which can cause antlers to deform.

In September and October the bone hardens and the velvet dries. The dried velvet sloughs off or is rubbed off. At this point, the buck is ready to compete for females. Males establish dominance based in part on antler size. Those with the biggest racks tend to be the largest and strongest individuals, and they get to mate with a series of does.

Sometimes big bucks fight to establish dominance. Usually the bigger buck wins, but occasionally bucks can lock antlers and ultimately starve to death.

In December or January, a separation layer forms at the base of the antlers, and they eventually fall off. In the spring, as day length increases, hormones stimulate the growth of a new set of antlers. If food supplies are sufficient, an individual buck's rack gets bigger each year until the buck dies or just gets too old to compete.

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