Yup. In western Middle TN, I expect to see a lot of early antler shedding this year. I've never seen the deer so stressed as they were in large sections of hardwood habitat.
It's what I expect to see. What worries me most is the long-term effects of the poor conditions. Most of the nutrients bucks need to grow their antlers in summer have to be in their system before antler growth even starts. I expect VERY poor antler growth per age-class next year in the worst drought-affected areas.
What do you consider common? One or two deer or a lot? Early March is common January is very uncommon at least where I live. It's a bad sign what we are picking up on cameras imo. I'm afraid it's worse than what we even thought on our places.
To add to this yesterday after getting in the stand I saw another buck with both sides gone. Another guy hunting saw a big deer that had dropped both sides too.
Bad thing and good thing we passed two of the biggest deer we have ever passed, because they had such an opportunity to truly be in the upper 150's to low 160's. I'm glad they have survived so far got pictures of both last night and the night before. But im afraid they may not put on the inches we thought. But who knows maybe we get lucky. I would assume an early good spring would or (could) offset some if not the majority of the issues we have right now? I have never seen the benefit or I guess the cost verse return of supplemental feeding but maybe a good option this year?
Every year at my house seeing deer already shed and finding sheds in the food plot... I shot a deer (good buck) the week of Christmas a few years ago (before Christmas but the week of Christmas) and both of his antlers fell off when he hit the ground
