I shot one back on Dec 15 that I thought was a big doe. Once i got up to it, it was a buck that had already dropped. First one I have ever seen drop that early. Have seen a bunch of bucks still holding in the last 2 weeks.
Bucks in Virginia can drop antlers anywhere from mid December through new antler development in April. I had a few bucks on camera end of December this year had already dropped. I have seen groups of bachelor bucks in April also. Supposed to be linked to the testosterone drop, but I think a mild or hard winter will effect it as well.
As of the 25th everything here still has their antlers. Bucks have been back in bachelor groups for a couple of weeks. Have a group of 7 running around together only one has half a rack. It's a spike that I think might have broken one side. I know if a handful that dropped sheds still in season, but most are still running around with headgear. This is in the mid valley, with good food sources.
In the Southampton county area i have pics and sightings of bucks carrying both sides still. Havent seen a sign of any shedding on my properties yet but I'd assume some early droppers have started.
Found first shed this year. But it was from 17/18. Killed the buck Nov of 18. But apparently Feb 4 is a good day for me as that's the day I found the other half last year.
Both sides with the euro.
But still haven't seen many drop around here yet. However talked to a guy in Albemarle/Charlottesville area today that has seen several shed.