His antlers are still covered in the so-called velvet, a thin skin underneath which the antlers are growing (and which supports the structure with the needed calcium and blood).
This skin, as it is covered by a rather dense, straight-haired fur, makes the antlers appear much more massive than they will actually be once the velvet is peeled off.

The “growths” at the bottom – as you called it – is due to the fact that he is already developing his brow tines (sometimes called eye guards or daggers). So this one won’t be a spike, but a four-point buck. In the second year of their lifes (which is the first year a deer of any species develops antlers) fallow males in a good condition – like this one – might already grow bifurcated antlers.

The one in the picture will achieve a little more antler lenght in the following two months, until the velvet will be rubbed off by about the mid of september. By this time, the mature bucks will need their antlers in the territorial fights and later on in the battles for the does. (Mating season / rutting might begin as early as mid octobre.)

This young buck will neither use his antlers nor will he have to fear the dominant males in this season, as he is much too young to participate in the actual rut. He will be accepted in the then mixed herd, while only the oldest bucks will fight each other for the right to breed and regularly drive the males of medium age out of their territory.

This is Mel from Porini camps rhino and lion
lost the small bit of paper with both your emails but remembered the blog sites.
We hoped you had a great time in Lamu and have not lost all the benefits of such an amazing holiday!

If any ‘photo available of Nick’s Masai Mara birthday celebration could be sent to him that would be great!
Would love to email Shelley. Hope this reaches.

Mel

Doe, a deer, a female deer
Ray, a drop of golden sun
Me, a name I call myself
Far, a long long way to run
Sew, a needle pulling thread
La, a note to follow sew
Tea, I drink with jam and bread
That will bring us back to Do

Doe, a deer, a female deer
Ray, a drop of golden sun
Me, a name I call myself
Far, a long long way to run
Sew, a needle pulling thread
La, a note to follow sew
Tea, I drink with jam and bread
That will bring us back to do

Do re mi fa so la ti do, so do

Its amazing to think that these beautiful, illusive animals which we so rarely get the opportunity to see in close proximity are virtually living just ten minutes drive away!

The photos are great – what a unique experience to have encountered this timid but strangely inquisitive creature.

I’ll be watching this space for your next adventure.