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White-tailed Bucks Shedding Antlers

White-tailed Bucks Shedding Antlers

Photo by Mary Holland

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White-tailed deer typically shed their antlers in December or January. After autumn’s breeding season, hormonal changes cause a weakened connection between the antler and the pedicle, where the antler attaches to the skull. A flick of the buck’s head can send one or both antlers flying, ridding the deer of these heavy, cumbersome appendages. It’s a win-win situation for both deer and the rodents that scarf up these rich sources of calcium phosphate and protein almost as soon as they hit the ground. Take a close look at the tip of each tine in this photograph and you will see that something – most likely a vole, mouse, squirrel, or porcupine – has gnawed on the antler.

Discussion *

Feb 23, 2025

My family had a complete set of deer antlers which we proudly hung on our wall for years but they were sadly lost. My family said the antlers were found in the forest so maybe they were shed as you mentioned happens. Does anyone have any ideas of how I might obtain a set of deer antlers that I could display?

Linda

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