Can you tell the age of an elk by the size of its antlers?

While the size of an elk's antlers can provide some information about the elk, it is not a reliable indicator of its age. An elk's antlers can vary greatly in size and shape depending on various factors such as genetics, nutrition, and habitat.

The antlers of an elk can reach their full size within three to four months, and their growth is primarily influenced by age, genetics, and nutrition. Antler size can be a good indicator of an elk's health and nutritional status, but it does not necessarily correlate with age. Some young elk can have impressive antlers, while some older elk may have smaller antlers due to various factors such as injuries, disease, and poor nutrition.

Other factors that can influence antler size and shape include habitat quality, weather conditions, and overall health of the elk population. For example, elk living in areas with abundant food and water tend to have larger antlers than those living in areas with limited resources.

Therefore, while antlers can provide some information about an elk, they are not a reliable method to determine the age of an elk. To accurately determine the age of an elk, other factors such as tooth wear, body size, and behavior should be considered.