Speaking of Sheds
01-22-2009, 06:33 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Iowa (Heartland USA)
Posts: 3,249
Speaking of Sheds
I've read a lot of threads on here about shed hunting already. When is the normal period for bucks to shed? I ask because I could have had two sets on sheds on the way home tonight, but unfortunately, they were still attached to the bucks running in front of my car.
01-22-2009, 06:49 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Iowa (Heartland USA)
Posts: 3,249
RE: Speaking of Sheds
ORIGINAL: mobow
They generally start dropping in early January. By early February they're pretty much done, though I've seen bucks still carrying them in late February into early march.
They generally start dropping in early January. By early February they're pretty much done, though I've seen bucks still carrying them in late February into early march.
(sorry[&o])
01-22-2009, 06:50 PM
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Posts: 945
RE: Speaking of Sheds
Depends.
Depends on where your from, up here in Alberta Canada,they tend to fall off sometime between mid March and April. I was out scouting the other day and saw2 170 class bucks still sparring as it's the 3rd rut right now. Saw 17 does and 3 more bucks carring theirhead gear still last Saturday.
Rocky
Depends on where your from, up here in Alberta Canada,they tend to fall off sometime between mid March and April. I was out scouting the other day and saw2 170 class bucks still sparring as it's the 3rd rut right now. Saw 17 does and 3 more bucks carring theirhead gear still last Saturday.
Rocky
01-22-2009, 07:18 PM
#6
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: South central Nebraska
Posts: 2,317
RE: Speaking of Sheds
I'll usually wait til March to start looking. Mainly when I go turkey hunting. But this year its been really cold and alot of people are saying they are dropping earlier this year than any other.
01-22-2009, 09:12 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location:
Posts: 3,465
RE: Speaking of Sheds
Last spring, or perhaps the one before, We saw a 6 pointer with BOTH sides still attached the second weekend of April. Not the norm, but they can drop anywhere from December-April. I think most drop in February around here, but could be wrong....as I don't shed hunt much. Just what I seem to notice by being in the woods.
01-23-2009, 06:52 AM
#9
Fork Horn
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: IOWA
Posts: 400
RE: Speaking of Sheds
Mark,
I saw several shed bucks already during late muzzleloader season. I have gotten 2 sheds while late season doe hunting. I usually hit it hard after mid February. Some will carry clear into March. Most of our deer will have shed by the beginning of March though. Good luck.
I saw several shed bucks already during late muzzleloader season. I have gotten 2 sheds while late season doe hunting. I usually hit it hard after mid February. Some will carry clear into March. Most of our deer will have shed by the beginning of March though. Good luck.
01-23-2009, 07:16 AM
#10
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location:
Posts: 7,367
RE: Speaking of Sheds
They can and do drop any where from early Jan. to early April.
I think the timing has a lot to do with how active a particular Buck was in the Rut breeding Does. More breeding and his testosterone drops quicker thus he will shed his antlers quicker.
I also think rougher weather can cause Bucks to drop earlier for the same reasons.
Like I said I've seen a few 1 1/2 year old bucks still carrying their little racks the 1st of April
Dan
I think the timing has a lot to do with how active a particular Buck was in the Rut breeding Does. More breeding and his testosterone drops quicker thus he will shed his antlers quicker.
I also think rougher weather can cause Bucks to drop earlier for the same reasons.
Like I said I've seen a few 1 1/2 year old bucks still carrying their little racks the 1st of April
Dan