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Antlers evolved as part of the annual ritual of competing for the right to reproduce during the autumn rut. At this time, the individuals with the largest antlers (generally matched with the toughest temperament) have an advantage when it comes to competing for mates. 

The annual cycle of growth and shedding of antlers is an amazing feat. They begin as small bony growths on the front of the forehead. Covered with skin and hair (velvet), the antlers grow at incredible rates. the immense racks of deer, elk and moose have only a few short months to develop.

After the antlers have reached their maximum size, blood vessels at the base close down causing the skin to dry up and peel off. The owner will assist this process by rubbing against trees. In many areas, you can see these rubbings as the thin bark of the aspen trees is rubbed off along with the velvet. Once the velvet is gone, only the hard bony core remains as a formidable weapon in the annual mating game.

In order to grow these huge racks, deer and elk must eat upwards of 50 kg of calcium each season. This is quite a feat when their diet is composed of plant material. Prehistoric elk had racks that measured upwards of 2 metres in size and would dwarf todays much smaller decendents.

As each year sees a new set of antlers, these antlers generally grow larger with each additional year. This is important in ensuring that the strongest individuals are successful in mating. However, on the flip side, being the biggest and strongest can have its disadvantages. Since they must constantly battle for supremacy during the autumn rut, it leaves the dominant bulls in less than prime condition at the onset of the most difficult time of year--winter. As a result, being the most successful bull may result in their perishing during the long mountain winter.