shedding their antlers

huntin freak · Post by **huntin freak** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:48 am

A buddy of mine got a monster doe today 'cept it had spare parts.

. After closer examination his doe was a buck that had already shed his antlers. So if you're waiting for Mr. BIG, he may be in cognito by now.

R.J. · Post by **R.J.** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 4:57 am

huntin freak : The bucks in our area still have their racks WMU 80 , WMU 87 ..... but I have heard many reports of bucks that have already shed their antlers in parts of Ontario and the USA .

Looks like it may be an early year for sheds .....

RJ not logged in · Post by **RJ not logged in** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 2:13 pm

huntin freak : I was at the butcher dropping off a couple of deer today and a guy came in from Georgetown Ontario ( I believe that is west of Missisauga ) .... anyway .... he had a monster buck 17 points and another buck same size body but it had shed ? Not sure why some are dropping early and some are not ???? Maybe somebody on the forum has some info on this early drop phase this year ??

wildwindom · Post by **wildwindom** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 3:02 pm

The whitetails cycle of antler growth, hardening, dropping off and regrowth is largely controlled by hormones. This cycle involves a complex interplay between the tiny pineal gland, the hypothalamus of the brain, the pituitary gland and the testes, and is a response to seasonal changes in the amount of daylight. The cycle follows the seasonal rhythmic rise and fall in blood levels of the male hormone testerone, which is produced principally by the testes. The time of antler casting among whitetails varies regionally. Regardless of region those bucks in poor phyiscal condition invariably are the first to cast there antlers.

Golden Eagle · Post by **Golden Eagle** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 4:31 pm

I have several Bucks coming to the backyard Birdfeeders here in Penna. that have lost there racks already. Seems early this year.

R.J. · Post by **R.J.** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 7:46 pm

wildwindom : Good explanation .... thanks .

wildwindom · Post by **wildwindom** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 11:26 pm

Glad to help.