This winter, deer in Central Minnesota are shedding their antlers earlier than expected, raising eyebrows among wildlife enthusiasts and hunters alike. Glen Schmitt, a knowledgeable contributor from Outdoor News, recently shared insights during my chat on WJON. Traditionally, deer typically lose their antlers in January or February, but Schmitt has observed many bucks dropping theirs much sooner this year. He attributes this unusual behavior to the colder temperatures and increased snowfall experienced in December, which may be influencing their biological clock. Interestingly, he notes that bucks with larger antlers tend to be the first to shed, which could suggest a correlation between antler size and shedding timing.
As we mark the end of the deer hunting season today, December 31, Minnesota hunters prepare to wrap up their activities. Schmitt reports that this year, a total of 185,209 deer have been harvested across all hunting seasons, a significant increase compared to the previous year's tally of around 170,000. Of these, approximately 146,000 were taken during the firearms season alone, highlighting the ongoing popularity of deer hunting in the state.
Meanwhile, ice fishing is gaining momentum in central Minnesota, thanks to the recent chilly weather and solid ice conditions. According to Schmitt, the latest snowfall actually improves access to lakes by reducing slipperiness. However, he cautions that ice thickness varies greatly between locations, advising caution for those considering driving larger vehicles onto the ice. While some areas only boast about 8 inches of ice, a safer 10-12 inches is recommended for heavier vehicles. ATVs and side-by-sides, however, should manage just fine on the current ice.
In Northern Minnesota, conditions appear even better, where the ice is thicker and fishermen are enjoying excellent catches. Schmitt points out that anglers who choose to stay in one spot while waiting for bites seem to have better luck than those who frequently move around, which is a shift from typical years. This change might be related to the clarity of the ice and a lack of snow cover, factors that can influence fish behavior.
If you're interested in hearing more details from my conversation with Glen Schmitt, you can click on the link below to listen.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the St. Cloud Antique Auto Club, affectionately known as Pantowners, celebrated its 50th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet in 2025, marking it as one of Minnesota's oldest car shows.
Stay tuned for more updates from AM 1240 WJON!
