Pedicle Damage???

BuckCommander25 · Jan 30, 2012

I was thinking about placing a net or some bungee cords around a small group of trees to catch/knock off any antlers that were close to falling off. If a buck, that is a few weeks away from dropping his antlers gets his horns caught in this, damage his antlers for next years growth? Or, will any buck damage his antlers in this?
Also, when do ya'll typically see bucks shed their antlers in SW TN? I'm thining around the end of February...

BSK · Jan 30, 2012

Do NOT use any type of antler trap that can catch or hook the antlers.

SNAG · Jan 30, 2012

BSK said:
Do NOT use any type of antler trap that can catch or hook the antlers.

x10

monsterbuck07 · Jan 30, 2012

Someone posted this on here before. Pile of sticks with holes for deer to put head into to get to corn on bottom (ground). This will give them a bump as they stick their head in, with no chance of getting hung up.

BSK · Jan 31, 2012

monsterbuck07 said:
Someone posted this on here before. Pile of sticks with holes for deer to put head into to get to corn on bottom (ground). This will give them a bump as they stick their head in, with no chance of getting hung up.

I would do nothing that might cause an antler to fall off earlier than normal (create anything that produces a blow to the antler or catches the antler).

The very best way I've seen to collect antlers without doing potential harm to pedicles is to create a feeding station inside of a low fence (3 feet high). Bucks jumping over the low fence to access the food cause antlers ready to fall off to do just that.