Whitetails, Acorns and Shed Antlers???

[skychief]

Here in Indiana we had a huge mast crop of acorns last Fall.

I have noticed very little shedding of antlers to this point (1st of March).

I usually find a lot of sheds in February, but, not this year.

I wonder if all the good nourishment in the form of billions of pounds of acorns available to our Whitetails this Fall has caused them to shed later this year.

Anybody know if this thought has any merit?

Best regards, Skychief.

[Pat B]

From what I understand antler loss is related to the decrease of testosterone when all the does are bred and not nutrition.

[Skipmaster1]

On years where there is less food, the deer are stressed and often drop early. Same for a buck with an injury.

[doubleo]

Deep snow and below zero temps will put a lot of stress on the deer and cause them to drop earlier! How was your winter so far?

[skychief]

Not much snow.  A colder than normal February.