When do deer and/or moose shed their antlers? Where are the deeryards in my town, and is it OK to go into a wintering deeryard to look for sheds?
Moose generally shed their antlers in November. Deer generally shed antlers in late December and early January, although some antlers may be retained until late winter. In much of the state, deer may not be “yarded” at all if snow depths are limited. The Department encourages individuals to wait until spring to look for shed antlers. In cases where winter conditions are severe and deer are confined to small areas and/or limited trail systems, disturbance, particularly by motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles or groups of people acting as “search parties,” can cause increased stress and energy expenditure which can adversely effect deer.
