When are hardened antlers typically shed by male whitetail deer?
Answer
Late winter or early spring
The annual cycle of antler growth in male whitetail deer is tightly regulated throughout the year. After the breeding season, known as the rut, concludes, the hardened, polished antlers are no longer needed for display or sparring. Consequently, the bony structures are shed, which typically occurs during the transition period between winter and spring, specifically in late winter or very early spring. This shedding clears the way for the subsequent growth cycle, which begins almost immediately, involving the rapid production of new antlers covered in velvet throughout the summer months.
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