In mid August%2C the velvet on this bull looks dark%2C dry and dead. He is about to shed it. As expected%2C it happens right on schedule%2C same as it has ever been%2C at least here locally in the vicinity of Canyon Village and slopes leading to Hayden Valley. The tines%E2%80%94the tips of the antlers%E2%80%94are no longer rounded. The pointed tips under the velvet indicate that the calcification of the antlers is complete. Underneath the dried velvet the antlers are hard%2C soon be ready for jousts of coming elk rut.