Our bucks have started losing their antlers.  Since the first of February, half of our younger bucks have lost theirs.  Some people use a hormone to cause the antlers to fall off early, thinking that the antlers will start growing back quicker.  Since day length causes the pituitary gland to produce the necessary hormones to begin new growth, I don't believe early loss of antlers causes growth to start sooner.  If there is a problem with the bucks carrying their antlers much too long, then a hormone treatment may help.  I just hate to try manipulating hormone levels.  I'd rather have the growth begin naturally.