Went out this afternoon on a casual late hunt with the intention of taking a stand and steps down. No activity so after taking them down I left early and walked out a different way than where I walked in. On the field edge was this set of antlers! I've never found any this early and never found a matching set. There was still a slight coloring of fresh blood on the bottoms. This is one of the reasons I disagree with our Illinois deer season extending into January. The 2nd late antlerless firearm season is the next three days. I just wonder how many bucks are shot due to missing antlers? He should be a shooter in a season or two. Has good mass. Pictures do not do it justice.
I don't see the late antler less season in Illinois lasting into the years to come. I heard buzz this may be one of the last years.