Shedding antlers is a natural part of the annual cycle for male white-tailed deer. Antlers are grown each spring and shed in the winter.

Shedding happens a couple of months after the bone growth has stopped and the antler tissue has died, reports the state conservation department. Special bone cells called osteoclasts break down the bone at the base of the antler, which causes the mature antler to fall off.

In the deer family of cervidae, only males are equipped with antlers, except for reindeer, where both male and females have them.

Now might be a time to start looking for antler sheds, reports the MDC. A permit is not required to possess shed antlers, however, sometimes bucks die with the antlers still attached. Anyone who finds a skull with antlers attached must contact their local conservation agent and obtain a possession permit if they wish to keep it.

Always seek permission to hunt for antlers on private property, urges the conservation department.

“Make sure gathering antlers is permitted on the public lands. Some public lands prohibit their removal or require special permits. Permits are not required to find shed antlers on most lands managed by the Department of Conservation,” reports MDC.

Smithville Lake is an area where antler sheds have been found and recovered without permit.