This article on antler shed is provided so individuals know that antler products can be made without animals being injured in any way. I also hope to promote ethical antler shed collection. So here are basics: Antler Shed 101 by: Elly Kendall

Antlers do not just keep growing. They drop off and animals grow new ones. These sloughed-off antlers are called shed. Shed hunting or collecting has been a great source for week end entertainment, especially during off hunting season from late winter to early spring. Shed antlers are prized for making everything from jewelry to chandeliers. The big bonus is that animals drop them every year and do not have to be killed for their antlers. However, collecting shed must be done with animals best interest at heart. Never approach wild animals of any kind. There is no need to push them off their feeding and watering areas or disturb their routines just to get an antler. Winter is a very hard time for these animals besides they will drop more next year.

Bucks and bulls, males of deer, elk and moose species, shed their antlers every year usually between January and April. The father north in United states earlier they drop. Here in Arizona it seems like late February to late March is especially a good time. If you go as far south as Old Mexico bucks don’t shed until March. Younger animals seem to drop theirs last. The antlers drop off to make room for new ones which grow through summer.

If you look at 11 win gap between Jack’s 70 total victories and Sam’s 81 and then figure Sam’s total of 165 victories he claims, no one even comes close. Sorry Jack. Now figure in shape of courses today, equipment and level of competition and there is no doubt in my mind that Sammy is man. Keep in mind, Sam played against, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan -- all born same year - they were considered era's Big Three. Hogan amassed 63 total wins and Nelson won 52, putting both of them in top 5 of all time winners list. Does anyone really thing that Tiger’s best competition today, is going to end up in that illustrious group? I think not.