Antler shedding...

[lawdog]

Wouldn't you think all the bucks would be done shedding by now? My brother had a nice buck run across the road in front of his truck yesterday with one side of his rack still attached??? I would have thought they were ALL gone by now, its almost March????

[jlm]

Most should be gone by now but there will be some that hold until later in the year. I have seen bucks (with antlers)well into March and on the Flip side, I have seen them drop in late December. Lots of variables. However, I think some of it has to do with genetics as well as all the other variables we always hear about. The reason I say that is because bucks of similar size from the same area drop at different times. Who knows I guess. I sure am looking forward to searching though, its better than gold in my eyes! Shed fever is almost here!

[Rost]

They never really grouped up this year either...

Here is my question. Is there any correlation between a mild winter and bigger antlers the following year? Usually deer are using every ounce of energy for survival during the winter. Since the winter was easy and the deer were not stressed, will we have bigger racks next year?

[half2fish]

can anyone give me a few tips on how to find some sheds? where to look,when,that kind of stuff.

[Whopper Stopper]

Bedding grounds are probably are prime, most winters where yarding occurs is probably the best. If you can locate a remaining field for food source, then staging areas are very good. Basically finding spots that offer the deer the most time to hold up, the longer they stand around the greater the chance of finding a shed. Don't look for the whole antler, rather just keep a sharp eye out for a tip, or a tine. I have found whole horns laying on top of the snow in a clearing but I consider these a gift from God. It rarely ever works that way.

WS

[Nova]

I have had a 6 point in my feeder the last 2 weeks. I saw him last night again and he still has both sides...didn't even look loose.

[icehousebob]

Update: as I write this, there are five deer in my back yard in Minnetonka. The three that I can see clearly with my Steiners are still carrying antlers. They are small six pointers. Can't tell the sex of the other two.

[fishingmike0770]

Other day while my dad was driving. I saw 5 bucks all with there antlers still on in a park just north of the cities. C'mon boys, drop 'em!