Saw Bucks with Antlers in IL

[Bowwild]

While driving Scott Air Force base this afternoon I saw a wad of 5 deer to the north of I-64 about 1-2 miles east of Mount Vernon. They were at the end of an empty crop field near a very small-1/4 acre pond.

I was very surprised to see that at least two still had antlers. One had both sides and another was missing one side. Spread was ear-wide or greater so easy to see.

I've heard of antlers as late as April 10th (on healthy deer) but this is the latest I've seen antlers this late - March 30.

[Hummer3T]

still here too, I think it is a sign of a long spring. Bummer!

[Biathlonman]

I saw a little fork horn last week still sporting both.

[KentuckyTJ]

Saw one in front of the house yesterday Roy still holding his. First rack deer.

[Pat B]

I think that when the testosterone levels drop after breeding the antlers will drop. As long as there is a doe in heat some bucks will hold on to their antlers.
In Cade's Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains a few years ago in March my wife and I saw the two dominant bucks still with antlers, still fighting, still chasing does and all the rest of the bucks had lost their antlers.

[dhaverstick]

I almost hit a little 6-pointer last Monday morning that I think was chasing the doe that crossed the road first.

[tradlab]

Have had a 7pt yearling in the field behind my house every night for past 2 weeks with a group of 20-30 deer.
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