Yes, it could have been sign of deer eating bark, but it could have also been rubbing. I too found a rub last week that had been rubbed fresh with shavings on top of the snow. Rubbing action...I always wanted to say that...can continue until they have actually lost their antlers. Here in my part of Illinos, some have dropped but most are still carying. I'll be out scouting this weekend, but I'll be keeping an eye out. I normally don't get too serious about shed hunting until late Feb. early March.