I misunderstood you as well dukemichaels, as even though dominance or stress may change, a buck can still be in good health. Perhaps in a changeless environment in which there are no stresses or unforseen disturbances in the basic biological cycle of the buck, then the antlers will be dropped annually around the same time. However, as Lee Rue says, "The one thing we have learned is that many different factors determine the timing of the casting of a buck's antlers."
I sometimes am my own enemy. And I try to write as little as possible in my posts... and then usually have to write longer anyway since someone asks a Q back. But again.. absolutely.. whitetail casting and re-growing can be halted or lessened or whatever due to overall health of the individual. Which yes.. does include its own physical and social health. I just call it health... it saves me writing time...
