The 2025–2026 deer hunting season is almost completely over in New York State. After Christmas, there are only a few days remaining before the holiday hunt wraps up in early January. However, hunters who have been in the woods over the past several days may have noticed something unusual happening with some deer, changes that may seem early but are actually right on schedule.

Thinking Ahead to Next Fall’s Whitetail Season

I’m already thinking ahead to what will happen next fall. My wife jokes that I’m always two or three seasons ahead of where we currently are. While we’re just entering winter, I’m already thinking about summer. By spring, my mind will be back in a tree stand, focused on the Whitetail rut in New York State.

Call me crazy, but I believe planning for deer season can begin as soon as the previous season ends.

Trail Cameras Still Tell the Story After the Season

Trail cameras are still strapped to trees throughout the woods, and I think post-season scouting is fascinating. It’s interesting to see which deer made it through the season and which bucks survived. The offseason can be just as revealing as opening day.

I also like watching for signs that bucks may have already shed their antlers, which means it could soon be time to start searching for sheds, especially once enough snow melts.

Related: Coyote Found in New York State With a Jar on it’s Head

A Trail Camera Surprise in Late December

I stumbled across a video on my trail camera from December 19, 2025. At first glance, I thought it was a very large doe. However, I didn’t see any fawns traveling with the deer, which you might expect from a doe and her young.

After reviewing the footage more closely and talking with friends, we came to the conclusion that this may have been a buck that had already dropped its antlers. That may sound early, but it’s not completely out of the question, especially based on what experts say about Whitetail deer behavior in New York State.

When Do Whitetail Deer Shed Their Antlers?

According to research and wildlife experts, bucks can begin shedding antlers as early as mid-December, while others may keep them well into late February or even March.

“Across most of the whitetail’s range, bucks shed in late winter into early spring, typically January through March, with some dropping a bit earlier in late December and others holding into April”.

Shed Hunting in New York State

Do you hunt for Whitetail antler sheds? Do you find them often? I’m always amazed by how many people find sheds every year, not just one antler, but sometimes a matching pair from the same buck. The success some shed hunters have is incredible, especially those who use trained dogs to locate antlers season after season.

Watching the Herd Through Winter Conditions

Keep an eye on the deer in your neck of the woods. Are they shedding already? How does the herd look?

Here in Western New York, we had a significant snowfall toward the end of the deer season. Fortunately, a recent thaw seems to have helped deer move more easily through the woods and forage for food that had been buried under snow. Call me crazy, but I’m already looking forward to the next deer season, and the scouting process has officially begun.

Friends Kill Massive Bucks On The Same Day In WNY

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden

Brothers Kill Monster Bucks On The Same Day In WNY

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden