RE: Antler Growth Question
New antler growth does not start immediately upon the dropping of last years antlers, and age and size does not determine when a buck will drop antlers, some bucks carry their antlers until the new growth pushes them off regardless of age, size etc...
Photoperiodism along with other factors start the growth process and each buck roughly starts at the same time.
This particular buck you are refering to must have some great genetics, age or nutrition.