ORIGINAL: yeoman
It isn't unusual for a small percentage of bucks to drop antlers in December here in Maryland. Usually the oldest bucks first and probably linked to changes in hormone levels following the rut. One of thedrawbacksof having an early January antlerless hunt, as we are thisyear,is the occasional killing of a buck which has dropped his antlers. Bucks willsometimes drop antlers as the result of injury as well. Hopefully not the case with your deer.
Thanks for the info man I am 90% sure this is from the same deer. But hope I am wrong. This buck was light in color since a darker 1 was with him at the time and he seemed to want to follow that one (8 pointer still a nice deer) I suspect that the 8 pointer is the dominant buck in the area but I think at least he is older.