Early shedders

I was just recently out watching a few bucks when i noticed that a small three point and a small two point were both missing an antler already that was as of Jan. 2 or 3rd. is that unusual or have any of you seen similar things. Cause i have always heard that the small bucks shed late like like in march. and larger bucks shed first. i have also seen a huge 4 point probably 28 wide really heavy and deep forks and even he hasnt dropped anything yet so to see a little two point that is already missing an antler hit me as kind of strange.
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Does early drops mean that they will start growing early? (a real question I don't know)

M.Bird
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NONYA
Poor diet will cause early drops.
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waynedevore
Location makes a difference. In the NE US [like Maine and New Hampshire] they are picking up fresh sheds, some already in Dec. Here in MN sheds seldom drop until Feb mostly mid Feb - March.

Yeah, the shedding process is hormones triggering new antler growth. Growth will be slow at first then as nutrition increases so will the rate of antler growth.
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fatrooster
Took this picture of this youngster in Lamoille, Nevada yesturday, 1-6-10. I like seeing the little guys almost as much as I like seeing the big guys.
Lamoille, Nevada. 1-6-10.
Lamoille, Nevada. 1-6-10.
Little guy.
Little guy.
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Utahbowhunter
There are very few small bucks that will shed really early, but don't waste your time looking for them.
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Thanks for all the info. See im one of those guys that is happy to find any antler big or small im not to picky. :))
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fatrooster
I agree with you shedobsession, I like em all big or small. fatrooster.
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Was out scouting this past weekend for this years shed hunting. Found 10 nice 4 bye's that havent started dropping yet. Heck two of them put on a show of locking their antlers up and pushing around for 15 mins.
I did find two fresh fork horn right sides, and a couple hard whites (4point). Out of all the buck we scouted we didnt see any smaller then a 3 bye. So I was thinking all the smaller deer have dropped already.
Got to love this spot it is only a 5 mile drive from the house.
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Ya i seen a few big 4 points, a 3 by 4 and a couple 3 points, along with a few small two points and two by three which was lockin antlers with a small spike by two. out of all the bucks one two point had dropped a side and a three point had dropped a side all others were still packin. It's pretty funny watching the little bucks play fight. :))
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camodup
Man, i wish there were sheds around here! And even if there were theres nothin i could do about pickin em up til April!
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Went out a couple weeks ago to check out one of my favorite spots, seen about 80 deer. Went back out last weekend the deer had moved about a mile away, so we went for a walk were they had been and picked up this. Can't wait until we can hit it hard.
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MuleyMadness
Wow great way to start the year 3x4. Maybe you should change your username. :)
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camodup
Nice find!! Makes me jealous
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awesome find 3x4. :thumb where ya from? and are most of the bucks in your area starting to drop?
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I'm in Utah County. So far 9 bucks dropped both sides, and a couple with 1 side. I'm just waiting for the rest to drop and move out. I usually do pretty good at this spot, but deer numbers are way down, I don't know if there wintering somewere else or what.
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Im up in Weber county and most the bucks around here are still packin probably will for another month. I also do some shed hunting in morgan county and a few other places and dont think the bucks have even started up there.
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waynedevore
3X4 that's a good find, good one to match up! :thumb
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