TJF,

that is an interesting theory you have. In your hypothesis, then deer in the northern part of Canada should drop their antlers sooner than deer in lets say, Virginia because the winter weather is by far more severe on deer in Canada. But that doesn't hold true. Deer as far as Florida drop their antlers as well as those in Canada in roughly the same stages give or take. Thinking as you are, Canadian whitetails would not have their antlers lets say in December because they've been living in severe weather conditions while PA or ND has dropped theirs as well. The shortest day of the year is Dec 21'st...now your right about the testosterone levels and breeding season but it is the petuitory gland that regulates the cycle couple with photoperiodism. I won't deny the health of the animal is a factor, it is however all of those factors you mentioned above take place during a whitetails breeding season as well as the shortest day of the year.....hhhnmmmmm

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>