Huge Does

[Knute78]

I know it is not unheard of for bucks to lose their antlers in December bu just a heads up to anyone still archery hunting such as myself. Look before you shoot...to identify your bucks from does.

I have seen one buck without his head gear already...a buddy already found one really nice set of fresh sheds from a buck that would go about 150" if he was still wearing them. He found those on the 8th.

Does this seem super early to anyone? These bucks must have been super stressed or something. The only thing is their is little pressure on the property we hunt and there is plently of food available...the only thing I can figure is that with the "early" snow and ice this year deer are going through a bit more winter stress than in the previous 3-5 seasons and are not adjusted to it. What do you think?

[Nate McVey]

Have already found sheds myself and also saw an 8 pt. with half his rack. Has to be the weather that messed up the normal cycle. It does seem a bit early to have this happening.

[DonBo]

It is my understanding that a particularly cold spell will make them drop their antlers early. Seems the cold is transfered directly into their skull through the antlers.

Anyone else heard this?

[Gofishleech]

Have not heard of that but it makes sence. I have a samll 8pt(was)in the yard that lost his head gear a week ago. And now with enough ice to fish I may not spend too many more hours in stand.

[HunterLee]

The second weekend of muzzy hunting, my brother had a huge woulda been ten point come strolling by at 50yds, didnt shot becasue of the half rack, we saw him the last night of hunting to nad he was the first deer out feeding in the field, i bet he was over 20 inside, and he was long tined, sad that he didnt have the rack, but he will be super next year.

[eyehead]

There was a guy in our area who shot a nice buck late Muzzleloader and as he was dragging it out of the woods. One of the antlers pulled off completely.