After the fall breeding season, the males of each species shed their antlers in the woods. Like Proudlove, his friend and shed-hunting companion, Ganter has found hundreds. It's a great way to scout for hunting. It's good exercise. It's a beautiful time to be in the woods, in the spring when things are starting to grow.
Antlers also are just plain appealing.
It's hard to see one and not touch it. The bone is cool, yet still strongly linked to the animal that carried it from April to January. The shapes are unique and the colors subtle, ranging from cream to taupe. I think they're pretty amazing pieces of art in themselves. They've even become valuable.