Friend or Foe

Theory: The males that deplete their hormone levels the most through active breeding activity will drop antlers first. If this is in an area with an unusually high buck to doe ratio, then it may be that he was limited in opportunity. My personal observation to support that idea is that the elk in Wind Cave National Park, where there is almost a 50/50 ratio, are mostly still carrying their antlers past middle of March.

In terms of image critique, it seems the biggest factor you were facing was the mottled light in which he was standing. Given those exposure difficulties, I think you did a good job.

Another nice buck Jack. I agree with Lons' comment on the light. Not much you could do except wait for him to move into better light.

I don't mind the dappled light Jack and believe you handled it very well. I do wish the buck had a bit of a head turn towards you, even just slightly and that would make a difference IMO. Further more I find it a pity that its hooves are hidden behind that big rock, it somehow anchors him if you know what I mean...

Attractive setting for a nice buck. He appears just a bit awkward to me, the way his legs are arranged and the uplifted tail suggests he's about to defecate rather than run. I'm personally a fan of dappled lighting, I might darken the image a little to bring down the highlights while retaining contrast.