Thread: Antler Rubbings and Wallows

Just last week when hunting in the Kaimais (see the other thread 'Kaimai hunt this week') I came across an antler rub. At this point I realised how ignorant I was about them haha At the time I guessed something along the lines of "must be pretty old, stags probably only rub in the months coming up to the roar when they want to get rid of the velvet to have their antlers reading to fight with". So I'm posting on here to ask about antler rubbings in general. When do stags rub? How can you tell how old an antler rubbing is? Does finding an antler rub mean different things at different times of the year?

I found some hoof prints and fairly fresh droppings (moist/mucous layer still somewhat in tact, not very green, not warm, fairly soft) in a muddy patch just down from it that was about 3m in diametre. Would this we a wallow? Do stags have wallows year round or only at specific times? I spent awhile stalking around there hoping to find a stag but didn't. Probably spooked it, still getting the hang of stalking slowly and quietly. I must admit though, I got pretty bloody excited when I saw the antler rub, it is the first I've ever seen. Not surprising because that hunting was my first proper crack at reds.

Cheers