Bighorn Sheep don't shed their horns because, unlike antlers, horns are a permanent feature that grow continuously throughout the animal's life. In the case of Bighorn Sheep (and other members of the bovine family like cattle), their horns are made of keratin, the same material found in human hair and nails, with a bony core. Horns grow from the base, not the tip, and are not shed like antlers. They persist throughout the sheep's life, and their growth is gradual rather than seasonal, unlike antlers, which are shed every year.

In contrast, members of the deer family (Cervidae), such as elk, moose, and mule deer, shed their antlers annually. Antlers are made entirely of bone and are grown each year from a base called the pedicle. Once the antlers are shed, the pedicles heal, and within a short period of time, new antlers begin to grow. This process is regulated by hormonal cycles, and the branching pattern tends to remain consistent each year unless there is an injury or disruption in the velvet phase, the period when the antlers are soft and covered in blood vessels before they harden.The act of shed hunting can be an exciting activity for wildlife enthusiasts, but it’s important to remember that in places like Rocky Mountain National Park, shed hunting is illegal. Violating these regulations can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges and potential court appearances.

It’s fascinating how antler and horn biology differ, isn’t it?