| Summary: | As part of an aerial survey of winter habitat utilization by moose (Alces alces) in northeastern Ontario, 8 standard 25 km2 census plots were flown an average of once per month over 5 winters from 1976 to 1981. During this time, 422 known male moose were observed and data regarding the presence and type of antlers was recorded. The duration and rate of antler cast differed with each antler class (palmate, cervicorn, spike-fork). No period of accelerated rate of antler cast was noted. Yearlings accounted for a disproportionately high number of single antler observations. Since aerial moose inventories take place after antler cast has commenced, the presence or absence of antlers cannot be used as the sole indicator of sex.
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