Sorry to hear it man...
We still have untill Jan. 31, then, like you, I'll be after small critters. Our small game season (squirrel atleast) runs until Feb. 28th
About the buck loosing thier antlers...I couldn't tell you

...the last buck I saw was a little 5pt I killed in November...We have WAY to many does...
Better luck next year...
(But good luck with the bunnies)