An Illustration project for Red Deer
“During the annual rutting season, red deer shed the 'velvet' on their antlers to get ready to fight for a mate. Some believe that the itching from the velvet falling away makes the deer rub their antlers on trees or in foliage which is how some of it will often be found stuck in their antlers. Other theories suggest that stags rub their antlers against trees to strengthen their neck muscles and mark their turf with their scent... and in some cases, the stags come away looking like they are ready to go for a royal party with some very fancy headgear on!”
Caption and Captured By Chaitanya Deshpande. Which is feature on Discovery.