first shed of the year
 

While quail hunting on 12/26/04 I found a fresh antler shed. I did not see this deer this year, but it could be from the same deer I found a shed from last winter. Brow tine was 7 1/4, G2 11, & G3 10 3/8. Not much mass-generally 4". The gross score was 64" for the side found with no allowance of spread. I can only hope he grows some mass and continues with the nice length, as well as growing another point. It is a tight racked deer which is pretty common in the area. None the less it is a great find for me. Also saw 2 bucks later in the day that had both of their antlers. Kind of curious as to why a deer would drop that early. Anyone know why this happens? We have a late doe season coming up this weekend, which could be dangerous for this old boy if he has dropped the other side. Hope he makes it until he walks by my stand next fall.

RE: first shed of the year
 

I was tempted to get and look over the long weekend but felt it was still too early. Guess I'm wrong. Now with last nights snow unless we get some rain it'll be a while before the conditions are ripe.

Congrats on your first of the season! May many more follow.

RE: first shed of the year
 

Widerack this may be a stupid question but did you find the shed here in Kansas?

RE: first shed of the year
 

South central to be specific.

RE: first shed of the year
 

I've read that stress has a lot to do with the shedding process. A dominant buck, drained by an intense rut will become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals fairly early. That causes antlers to shed earlier. I read a really good study and article on that topic, but for the life of me, I can't remember where... If I find it, I'll post it.

RE: first shed of the year
 

That sure is early. I've also found shed antlers here in Kansas(in the past) during the late season. It makes you wonder how many bucks are really taken during the doe season.

Here's a funny story. About 3-4 years ago, my buddy arrowed an 8 ptr towards the end of the 1st bowseason, which is in late November. I lifted the buck up and let it down, not very hard, and one of the antlers fell off. Then we lifted the buck in my truck and the other side fell off.

We were cracking up because he shot a buck, maybe 130 class and it's antlers fell off before we could even get it home. We didn't really care that much, but if it were a bigger one, then I'm sure he would've cared more. Haha

RE: first shed of the year
 

Been hearing that alot this year. From everywhere.

RE: first shed of the year
 

Two or three years ago we had a colder than normal December-January and a late doe season. My buddy shot an antlerless buck for a doe and I heard of several others being taken. Apparently this is the reason for the earlier doe season. By the way the season is actually referred to as "antlerless deer season" so consequently any deer without visible polished antlers is legal.

RE: first shed of the year
 

I've heard of the same thing myself. Sounds like I need to take a few strolls through the woods after the first of the year and see if anybody around here has dropped yet. Just when my wife thought I was done with hunting...

RE: first shed of the year
 

I went out hunting about 4 days ago, in NC Kansas, and still saw over a dozen bucks with both sides, so I'm assuming a vast majority of the bucks still have their antlers.