Mar 13, 2025 · In the mountain west, mule deer typically shed from January into March, but elk (which we will bring into the mix here because shed hunting for their antlers is so popular) shed later,...

Jul 17, 2024 · Antler shedding or antler regeneration is the natural process by which male deer shed their antlers annually and then regrow new ones. This process is controlled by hormonal changes in the deer's body and usually occurs during the winter months.

When Deer Shed Their Antlers. Most white-tailed deer shed hunters go out on the trail in March and April. Find out whether your region has a designated season for shed antler hunting.

These shed hunting tips and tactics focus on when you should start searching for sheds, and why bucks drop their antlers. Properly timing the antler drop is essential to maximizing your time spent shed hunting.

Dec 5, 2023 · Antlers are bony structures that extend out of permanent growths on a Cervidae's head — usually only the male — called pedicles. Male deer and other Cervidae shed their antlers annually, usually in the winter, and grow new ones in the spring.

May 8, 2023 · Generally speaking, shed hunting is the act of collecting antlers that have naturally fallen off deer and elk. Grabbing what is called a "dead-head" or cutting off the antlers of a deceased big game animal usually requires some type of permit or tag.

Deer shed their antlers when their testosterone falls after mating, also known as their rut. This hormone decrease causes a weakening of the pedicle, which is the tissue and bone at the base of the antler.

Mar 25, 2020 · There’s a quick way to look at a shed antler and tell whether the buck that dropped it was in good health back in the fall during the rut. No, it’s not mass. It’s not tine length or count. And it’s not beam length, color or character.

Feb 18, 2025 · We all know that whitetail shed their antlers every year, but did you know that one simple living cell is responsible for our annual pilgrimage to find sheds? What Causes Deer to Shed Their Antlers? It’s true, and that cell is the osteoclast (Greek for “bone” and “Broken”).

Feb 4, 2025 · Whitetail deer shed their antlers once a year. This usually happens in late winter. Whitetail deer, known for their majestic antlers, follow a fascinating yearly cycle. The shedding of antlers is influenced by several factors, including age, health, and environmental conditions.