Do deer lose their antlers?

YES! We get all kinds of calls during the off season. This is one that we answered just a few weeks ago. Male whitetail deer grow new antlers every year.  The soft velvet antlers we see at the beginning of the season are covered in fast growing tissue that helps form antlers. By the end of August in SC almost all bucks have hardened antlers. Bucks lose their antlers by early winter, sometimes before the end of deer season. By early spring, all bucks are antler free! These lost antlers are called "sheds" and are often found in woods and swamps. Hunters scout for sheds to help them determine buck movement and territories. Keep your eyes open on your next walk and you may find a treasure. But you might want to hurry. Antlers are a favorite diet supplement of mice and squirrels!