I get into a delicate situation with things like this, as I dont mean to sound disrespectful, or full of myself...I respect Ozoga, and have known Charlie for years, I remember where he used to photograph his deer before he had his own. But, I have to go with what I see, too, no offense to the experts. Whether its a captive herd in Bath NY, the Cusino Enclosure in Mich or my pens, or all the wild deer we also watch, Im just saying what I see. I have picked up somewhere near 500 sheds in my travels. Most of the statements we all have posted here in this thread ARE accurate to some degree. The only thing Im saying is this, its just not always that way. Throw out stats, studies, and others opinion...really. I kiddingly say "Hormones, shmornomes!" I have bucks the do my breeding that carried antlers longer than bucks of equal age, held back. In the wild we watch a few that defy "the rules" too.

If there IS one solid rule, like Ive said, it seems to be the one about stressed/injured deer shedding earlier. Now, HOW early? Thats another debate! Remember stories of locked bucks found dead, and upon picking up the skulls, one antler will shed off the buck that looked like it was alive longer? Stuff like that is worth remembering...

I think we all want there to be more clear rules to define when and where those antlers will be. I read the same stories you guys do about checking fence because they get jarred "loose", etc. I watch deer spar, or shake their heads, and not shed. Later that day there they stand, minus an antler that was obviously solid just a whilebefore! Think of it THIS way, guys...these contradictions to the rules, that Im suggesting, will give you some leeway when you come home empty from time to time!

Heres my "unofficial" theory for sheds this year. If your area is set up like my region is, youll probably see lots of guys finding one or two, etc, but not too many guys picking up a ton of them. They are spread out a bit more this season, due in part to less snowpack and a more mild winter. If food sources are spread out, so too will be those deer...and those sheds. Now, should I mention how many times Ive found where fox and coyotes have carried off sheds to other areas? I know, "Oh no, not MORE variables!"

I agree with Phade, this is a neat topic.