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When do deer usually shed their antlers?
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deer
Male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
Deer typically shed their antlers annually once the mating season, or rut, concludes.12
This process is driven by hormonal changes: as the mating season ends, testosterone levels drop, which triggers the shedding of the antlers. By shedding them after the rut, deer are able to conserve energy and nutrients required for survival during the harsh winter months. While this is the standard cycle for most species, some territorial tropical deer may retain their antlers for more than a year.12