Antler shedding underway for big game

WILDLIFE WATCHING — Deer, elk and moose males have been shedding their antlers in preparation for growing new sets starting later this winter.

But they’re not all on the same schedule.  Some bucks and bulls will carry their racks for another month or more.

Montana outdoor photographer Jaime Johnson has been contemplating that timing from behind his camera lens this month as he collected the image above.

Seems that everyone I speak with knows when Moose shed their antlers. Some tell me they shed in October, some say November, others December…

We’ve seen three bulls in the past week and all still are packing – maybe they didn’t get the memo. I’m guessing they are on the same schedule as Elk –

We’ve known this young bull since he was born 2.5 years ago. His mom had twin boys that year. We’ve been lucky enough to follow them for the past 2.5 years to watch them progress. We found them a few days ago and mom still had both boys with her. Really fun to see them.