Hey man, I grew up in Malone about as northern as it gets for sure. The bucks up there have started to shed, my old man had been watching a few bucks and a couple of hte nicer ones have been in with spots on their heads, others I know have found a couple halves, certainly they are in the fingerlakes area as i think they are everywhare. Based on their nutrition and stress I have seen a few hold on well into feb. and even into march once but for the most part the bulk will have dropped or will drop soon. It never to soon to be out even if you don't locate one it's a good time to scout areas. The challenge you have is the lack of deer, I have seen 20-30 bucks on the properties I hunt nad have yet to find a shed this year even know I know they are there, coming from up north you will be lucky to have 20-30 within 20-30 square miles. good luck