2023 shed (antler) thread

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  • yetti462

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    May 18, 2016
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    Unglaciated heaven
    9 fresh 2 old for 2023. They're starting early around me. Snow pic was a match set found after Christmas in 2022.

    Post your pics!!
     

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    kickbacked

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    I saw 2 bucks the other day on my property with their antlers. I’ve never shed hunted before. When is a good time to start looking? I’m in northern Indiana if that makes a difference.
     

    two70

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    Feb 5, 2016
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    Johnson
    I saw 2 bucks the other day on my property with their antlers. I’ve never shed hunted before. When is a good time to start looking? I’m in northern Indiana if that makes a difference.
    The short answer is that normally most bucks will drop sometime between mid-January and mid-February.

    The long answer is it can vary a bit from year to year and from buck to buck. Bucks will typically shed earlier if the winter is harsh, if food is in short supply or of poorer than normal quality or if they are injured or more severely worn down from the rut. Some bucks tend to drop earlier than others and vice versa.

    I've heard multiple reports of bucks dropping earlier than normal this year.
     

    model1994

    quick draw mcgraw
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    Aug 17, 2022
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    glacial boundary
    I've only seen (and cameras only seen) spikes around here this year, so I'd be searching for a needle in a haystack lol

    interesting that they're dropping so early
     

    Ward250

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    May 12, 2015
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    Down South
    Valentine's Day is the benchmark that most of our deer have shed. Not all, but most (75%+) so it's worth searching even though you're kicking them out of bedding areas during the time of year that is physically toughest on them.

    Searching too early, before the majority of bucks have dropped, just kicks the deer around and mature bucks may not return to consistently use those bedding areas for 1-2-3 weeks. Of course they could drop antlers while gone. Feeding areas aren't as intrusive on the deer but I just don't see enough squirrel damage on antlers to justify rushing out there.
     

    yetti462

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    May 18, 2016
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    Unglaciated heaven
    Shed hunters dream come true. All of these came off an area about an acre in size. I could stand at the center point and throw a golf ball to every horn.

    You'll notice three right sides with no match, I've got 3 more to find, let the hunt begin!!!!
     

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