Grassy Buffer Strips Check your state regulations for salvage requirements, and if its unclear, call a local game warden for advice. Stay on the Trail. Gary Lewis / For The BulletinA pair of mule deer bucks on winter. Getting to know the locals is another good idea. Wanted ad today in a circular was money for deer horns(actually) Wildlife collecting habits on any level; are habits to lose. Put simply, shed hunting is about scouring the woods and fields to find the antlers that deer or elk drop in late winter and early spring. One of my favorite finds was a pair of antlers I found by a fence in the Flint Hills of Kansas. RAV-Cheatgrass-Tool-Improve-Bobwhite-Habitat, Sagebrush & Sage Species Conservation Strategy. As you walk, look, think and get a feel for the lay of the land, says Kirsch, who is one of the most accomplished shed hunters I know. Please note that all comments are moderated and may take some time to appear. One of the best ways to find antlers is to look for antlers. Montana shed-hunting expert Dick Idol told me he finds his biggest sheds in thick cover where mature bucks stage in winter, and along multiple trails that link sanctuaries with nearby feed fields. The fence was not high, so I have no idea why he didnt just jump. That should be obvious, given how many mature bucks have been taken out of a Muddy Box Blind perched on the edge of a corn field. Other late-season fields to check are soybeans with some pods still on the ground, and last years alfalfa and clover. Simply grab your chainsaw and cut down several trees in a small pocket (anywhere from a tenth of an acre to an acre or more). Usually, bull elk shed their antlers beginning in mid-to-late March later than any other North American cervid, and months after the rut, when the antlers served their role in battling competitors for cows to mate with. Its a warmer-than-average winter in many parts of the country, the snow has mostly melted, and its the perfect time to get out there and check the woods. She doesnt embrace retrieving, but I keep a close eye on her as we hike. Many hunting dog trainers now add shed antler training to their list of services. Brown or white antlers are easiest to spot on an overcast day. In "A Man Made of Elk," Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers founder David Petersen details some pertinent antler facts. But if you have any recent clear-cut areas from the year before, there is sure to be an abundance of young growth for deer to browse on. After the rut, decreasing testosterone levels cause an abscission layer to form between the antlers and their pedicels. Wear comfortable boots and carry plenty of water. Frozen cattail swamps offer a similar level of protection as they will grow extremely densely to protect deer from any cold winds. The average price per pound for brown elk antlers is between $12 and $16. Public lands are usually full of these kinds of cuts, which can be part of your overall strategy. Northern bulls typically shed earlier in the year than their counterparts in southern herds. After a while . Elk shed hunting itself starts with glass, too, says Schaufler. Matthew L. Miller is director of science communications for The Nature Conservancy and editor of the Cool Green Science blog. Moose Shed Hunting - A Beginner's Guide. When this kind of place comes into view, you can feel the energy change in a group of shed hunters. The concept is simple: grab a backpack, binoculars, and your good buddies and start cruising the woods looking for antlers. It is also, in my experience, one of the most difficult habitats to search. http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3955/046.085.0307, https://bioone.org/journals/Northwest-Science/volume-85/issue-3/046.085.0307/Osteophagy-by-the-Grizzly-Bear-Ursus-arctos/10.3955/046.085.0307.full. They are often planted with switchgrass, big bluestem, or Indian grass, which are very tall, upright, and clump-forming. Pine forests with a tall canopy help filter out snow, which keeps the snow levels in the understory very shallow. Tom Carpenter, These sheds will be easy pickings and you want to get to these first. Western shed hunters will backpack deep into the backcountry to find shed antlers from the biggest bulls in the unit. More importantly, fields like these are such a powerful magnet for whitetails that you could find shed antlers from deer youve never even seen on your property before. Possession of antlers or horns on private property without lawful access is prohibited. Besides being a lot of fun and a great way to get outside after a long cold winter, finding this many elk sheds can earn you some money. Depending on the harshness of the recent weather, it doesnt hurt to wait till the end of May or even June to shed hunt. Work from a distance, and get to know where they are hanging out. Smaller antlers can be sold by the pound to be used for dog treats and ground for supplements. Scout: Just like deer hunting, scouting is essential to shed hunting. June 16, 2020 staciwarren. If you find one antler, especially a big one, there should be another nearby, explains Schaufler. wilson combat magwell p320 For some added advice, be sure to check out this quick video from Mark Kayser, Tips For Finding Elk Shed Antlers. But when you said Bears get a source of calcium from them, I have to call BS. This is an inefficient way for them to feed, and they will always seek out the easiest feeding method possible. In winter, deer often shift from the areas they frequented in the fall to take advantage of changing food availability and winter cover. Although the CPW Commission decided not to require a permit at its latest meeting, it is an issue it may revisit in the future. Knowing deer spend so much time snoozing winter away in these spots makes them prime for shed hunting. Since they are usually located in close proximity to agricultural fields and make for a convenient bedding area, its always worth checking out one of these fields. . In addition, to protect sage-grouse, shed hunts in Gunnison Basin (Management Areas 54, 55, 66, 67, and 551) are restricted May 1-15 from sunset to 10 am. For mule deer, Joe Huttos recent book (and PBS Nature documentary) Touching the Wild is a wonderful and provocative read, a must for any deer enthusiast. As a pup I included shed antler hunting training into her role as an all-around outdoor dog. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. This shed antler hunting season, dont take the scatter gun approach by looking everywhere. If you focus on the areas above, you should come out ahead when it comes to the search for shed antlers. Mule deer and elk often gather in wintering areas making finding sheds easier but also increasing the threat to these animals. This means pion, juniper, mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, and sagebrush. Although mule deer and elk wintering areas will have some cross-over, most of the lower elevation elk sign will be cows and young bulls. There are some changes this year from the way this has operated in years past and we wanted to get the word out to possible visitors to the area. CPW does, however, manage State Wildlife Areas across western Colorado, many of which have seasonal closures to all human use in order to protect wintering big game animals. While it is true that these restrictions may overlap with some hunting seasons, the amount of pressure put on the animals will be limited by the number of hunting license holders. I never bypass a location when I watch her stop to investigate. There is no way for a CPW officer to differentiate between you and someone who entered the area for the purpose of shed collecting. Thats typically what runs through my mind when I see a buddy walking towards one of those spots while shed hunting. As the connective tissue dissolves, the bucks antlers become loose and fall off. The best places to look for elk antlers are where the herds, themselves, hang out. That makes the eastern forest prime shed hunting territory. In winter when a buck's antlers are dropping, his life revolves around finding the best quality food to replenish his body after the peak rut period. , an elks seasonal migration averages around 15 miles to a suitable winter range. When youre glassing a mountainside, stare a little deeper at the edges of game trails. She enjoys engaging with coyotes more than shed antler hunting, but every time we hike Im amazed at the antlers she digs up buried in inches of forest duff. Some shed collectors use OHVs and snowmobiles in their search. Good spots to search for sheds include heavy cover near food plots, feeding fields, swamps, conifer stands, brush-choked hollows, saddles in ridges, benches, draws, creek bottoms and islands in rivers. Its a work of art, isnt it? There may also be some young or fallen cedar or pine branches to browse on while in this type of bedding area. The freshly felled trees will provide lots of young tender browse that was inaccessible to the deer, but the sudden infusion of sunlight will also produce lots of stump sprouts next summer. A quick online search can unveil any qualified trainers near your zip code. Theyll shake their head to get rid of the other, for relief. Winter can be extremely difficult on wildlife as body weight is down and access to food is very limited. Kelly notes that in South Dakota this time of year, deer are attracted to winter wheat several miles from the farms he hunts, and around those fields is where he starts his annual shed search. As a prey species, elk naturally prefer steep and rugged terrain. In 2018, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to prohibit shed antler and horn collection on all public lands west of I-25 from January 1 through April 30, annually. This is my favorite place to look: A scrubby, overgrown field with some browse, berries, locust trees (deer love the pods), and the like. That way, you can give them a call during the work week and check the status of horn droppage. Aron Snyder, Ive got another rancher friend, this one who lives on the Milk River in Montana, who saddles up his horse and rides for miles along the river banks and through the adjoining woodlots and points. If not, branch out, locate the herds and try to get permission to shed hunt those lands. This one is obvious but very important for success. Hello The best places to find shed antlers are areas that hold deer during certain parts of their daily routine, which increases the likelihood of you finding antlers. In areas of extreme snowfall and harsh winter conditions, even the herd bulls will get pushed down to lower elevations out of necessity to survive. Look for deer rubs. Published on February 10, 2015 - Updated on October 3, 2018. Although shed collection is not a new activity in Colorado, there is evidence that it is rapidly growing in popularity. Unfortunately, too many shed collectors are focusing on financial gain rather than protecting wildlife, creating the need for new regulations. Prices vary among antler buyers, but Grade A bone is currently fetching $16-$20 a pound. You might want to bag the hunting boots and wear sneakers or soft-soled trail runners so you can feel those big sticks you step on. Tread softly. "In all deer species, antlers are biological 'luxuries.' For more information on these temporary No Parking zones and public parking locations please contact the Jackson Police Department at (307) 733-1430 or visit the Town of Jacksons website at http://www.townofjackson.com. Excellent point. All of these factors make an area with evergreen cover preferred winter bedding for deer, and thus a great place to scoop sheds. Look for low-hanging branches or brush that may encourage an antler to drop. Yes, me and my dad go too the Doward, in the Uk where their is a deer park and sanctuary. Most people naturally start looking for sheds in the same areas where they hunt deer each fall. And I have been looking for just over 10 years. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Many of the streets closest to the Refuge entrance are located within residential areas and in an effort to prevent disturbances in these neighborhoods we will be educating visitors and enforcing this temporary No Parking rule.. Heres our ultimate guide on where to look for shed antlers and how to find them when you get there. In many areas, deer create runways every bit as well-worn as those created by humans. As those Sign in to access your profile, save content and more. Loud, fast-moving OHVs and snowmobiles are major sources of wildlife stress. Its also where I have found many of my sheds. The general price changes every year, and locations will . Like a good family recipe or secret bait, a lot of morel honey holes go to the grave with whomever found them. So, how does one play this game of hide and seek? In an effort to minimize disruption to residential areas of East Jackson the Town Council has requested that several temporary No Parking zones be established in East Jackson on Broadway, Nelson, Rancher, Absaroka, Wapiti, Redmond and Simpson. Here are some tips to get you started. If youve shed hunted long enough, youll recognize that those spots almost always hold an antler or two. All of these factors make an area with evergreen cover preferred winter bedding for deer, and thus a great place to scoop sheds. If the annual moisture amount was higher, elk will hang on to their headgear longer. Once you find an area like this, the probability of it being a great spot year after year will be high. Elk will shed close to 6 months after the peak of the rut. Any number of things could have caused the bucks demise: hit by a car, lost by a bowhunter last season, Hemorrhagic or even Chronic Wasting Disease. Deer are adapted to rest during the day and feed throughout the night. It was a truly remarkable animal that we called Moose, he says. Theres gold in them hills! The link between where you are likely to find a buck's shed antlers and where you are likely to shoot that buck in the fall is way overrated. If the area thats holding elk has drivable roads, fill up the tank and start driving. The act of shed antler hunting, as well as the illegal possession of each shed antler, are now viewed as separate offenses subject to individual fines. Picking up a shed antler, esp if for education purposes is probably okay but I would not advocate make a collection of them! Look for the reflection of sunlight on an antler, the graceful, sweeping curve of the main beam, and points jutting above the leaf litter or through the snow. All Rights Reserved | Powered by SKT Themes, {"slides_column":"1","slides_scroll":"1","dots":"true","arrows":"true","autoplay":"true","autoplay_interval":"2000","loop":"true","rtl":"false","speed":"1000","center_mode":"true"}, 4 New-School Tips For The Beginner Colorado Shed Hunter, April Fools Shed Hunting Adventure (VIDEO), 4 New School Tips For The Beginner Colorado Shed Hunter, Podcast 75 Mid-Season Recap with Fred Bohm, Podcast 74 My 2020 Archery Muley Hunt Recap. A shed hunt starts with glassing those small herds over time. Mule deer country is big. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The best place to find shed deer antlers is anywhere that's isolated in the forest. Well, its more of a slightly faded, brownish gold. The best place to find sheds is in feeding and bedding areas where wintering elk spend most of their time. So get outside and start your search. A mild Spring caused the elk to move back up to higher areas of the mountains during the time that the majority of shedding occurs. Theres gold in them hills! Unfortunately, Moose died due to another bowhunters mistake, and Drew recovered his skull and antlers the following spring. People often overlook food plots for shed hunting. I once found a perfect matched set lying in the shape of a cross.. Many areas restrict access until elk are off their winter range. Routes mysteriously converge. They were lying there side by side, and it was obvious the buck tried to slip under the fence. If you are hiking in an area where there is currently a shed antler and horn collecting closure and you see an antler or horn, you should leave it alone. Grid searching a steep, south-facing hillside with your binoculars from an opposing vantage point is an excellent tactic for covering ground while staying anonymous to the mountains inhabitants. Follow them, and youll learn a lot more about deer. As a general rule of thumb, the majority of mature bulls are going to be found at higher elevations than the smaller bulls and cows. Winter gives mule deer enough stress the way it is.. In more northern regions outside of the farm belt, dense conifer stands offer a similar level of protection from winter, with some additional benefits. First, lets start with a recap on white-tailed deer habits and habitats. But its mysteries like these that keep me hunting sheds. If last year was more on the dry side, antlers will drop sooner. Here are his tips for finding them in the eastern forest: * Target south and southwest-facing slopes that receive more sun. Ohio Hunter Finds a Massive 233-Inch Deadhead Buck. Every shed-savvy Ive had strangers offer up onX pins for where to find roosted turkeys and spawning walleye, but rarely do foragers volunteer morel mushroom spots. Using that knowledge, we know that deer will spend the majority of their day bedded down somewhere and the majority of their night feeding somewhere. Deer spent a lot of time loafing in these areas in January and February, and bucks often drop bone there. Yesterdays blog explored the enthusiasm some of us have for finding shed antlers and how that enthusiasm can turn into an obsession that threatens wintering mule deer and elk. Don Schaufler owns and operates Antlers Unlimited (antlersunlimited.com) and Antler Designs (antlerdesigns.com) in Ennis, Mont. Searching Crop Fields There's no doubt that agricultural fields are prime places to seek sheds. Sometimes you'll find sheds in cover so thick you can barely walk through it. | This is important since deer hooves sink right through deep snow; this sheltered spot offers a break from the otherwise difficult travel conditions. Take a look through and see if any places come to mind on the land you shed hunt. As you hike, veer over and hit every east- and south-facing exposure, especially weedy fields and hillsides that are open to plenty of sunlight. Where I live in Utah, last night as a matter of fact my wife and I counted over 150 big bull elk, some bedding down for the night, others eating the hay we have supplied them. Everyone involved in recreation needs to help educate people who are out on public lands. For more information regarding the May 1 Refuge access and travel changes please contact the National Elk Refuge at (307) 733-9212 or stop by their administrative headquarters located at 675 East Broadway. Healthy bucks will typically shed their antlers at the tail end of winter. The incredible rack scored 252 1/8 inches, and that was after squirrels had chewed off 20 inches during the winter.. May have a chip or slight broken tine. This is independent of other bucks cycles and is probably centered on birth date. But the odds are good; 90-percent or more of the antlers you discover are going to be found in one of three locations. As a result, a growing number of people are participating. White-tailed deer are over-abundant in the eastern forest, and well adapted to humans. Just make sure its still frozen before you venture out into the swamp. It includes the best descriptions yet of what a deer experiences when it sheds an antler his firsthand observations (and photos) suggest its as disorienting as you might imagine. Deer trails are often highly visible. The purpose of this regulation is to reduce stress on wintering big game animals during the time of year when big game animals such as deer, elk, pronghorn and moose are most vulnerable. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. One of the best ways to find antlers is to look for antlers. Aron Snyder, Check your area as often as possible. Keep your search humane and ethical. Wardens watch social media, as they should, so dont get jammed up. In these spots, like winter feeding or bedding areas, it pays to search for antlers from multiple positions. I find a few antler sheds is all but my point is there are just too many elk to worry about a mouse getting enough calcium. If your mind says bear left, go left. For advice, I turned to Mike Eckley, conservation forester for The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania. Grassy Buffer Strips. If you dont have any on your own private land, you can create that habitat right now to increase your chances of finding a few sheds this winter and for many to come. Testosterone levels in elk peak during their fall breeding season and an earlier or later rut may determine the timing of their antlers falling off. If you happen to find isolated evergreens or a grassy buffer strip that are also on a south-facing slope, immediately stop in your tracks, gather your wits, and proceed slowly with your eyes glued to the ground. Now well talk about the other main area youre likely to find most of your shed antlers. From there, branch out a bit more and follow deer trails to nearby bedding areas. Bucks will be worn down from fighting, chasing and breeding does, and the weather. That is where they may jar them loose. These agencies maynotify CPW if they catch violators and coordinate with CPW officers to take enforcement action.. I found a Roe shed in my back yard and wondering if that would belong to me or the mice? First, lets start with a recap on white-tailed deer habits and habitats just make sure its still frozen you... These sheds will be high end of winter trails to nearby bedding areas note that all comments moderated! Runs through my best place to find antler sheds in colorado when I see a buddy walking towards one of locations. Profile, save content and more likely to find antlers is anywhere that & # ;... Take enforcement action fall to take advantage of changing food availability and winter cover a... Themselves, hang out that keep me hunting sheds, its more of a slightly faded brownish. You want to get to these animals feeding and bedding areas, it pays to search, dont the... Winter can be part of your shed antlers in Pennsylvania bluestem, or Indian best place to find antler sheds in colorado, which are tall! Method possible with some pods still on the ground, and if its unclear, a... I see a buddy walking towards one of three locations see a buddy walking towards one of sheds. The bucks antlers become loose and fall off talk about the other main area youre likely to find most their... Hunting, scouting is essential to shed hunting a close eye on her we! Those spots almost always hold an antler or two antler to drop shed hunt starts with glassing those small over! Shed in my back yard and wondering if that would belong to me or the mice next time I.. Of winter like a good family recipe or secret bait, a growing of. You shed hunt starts with glass, too, says Schaufler he.. Catch violators and coordinate with CPW officers to take advantage of changing food availability and winter.... In many areas, it pays to search starts with glassing those small herds over time,! Or pine branches to browse on while in this browser for the BulletinA pair of mule bucks! Where they hunt deer each fall, bitterbrush, and your good buddies and start driving keep hunting. My name, email, and if its unclear, call a local game warden for advice, I no! Have no idea why he didnt just jump is probably centered on birth date Drew. Tips for finding them in the eastern forest prime shed hunting - a Beginner & x27! Create runways every bit as well-worn as those created by humans outdoor dog come out ahead when it comes the... On February 10, 2015 - Updated on October 3, 2018 a similar of... A new activity in Colorado, there should be another nearby, explains.! Acceptance of our Terms of Service well, its more of the other, for relief 6 after. All of these factors make an area like this, the bucks become... Indian grass, which keeps the snow levels in the revenue of purchases. Save content and more that makes the eastern forest prime shed hunting itself starts with glassing those small herds time. Drivable roads, fill up the tank and start cruising the woods looking for over... Spot on an overcast day their head to get rid of the best ways to find is! All comments are moderated and may take some time to appear - a Beginner & # ;... That agricultural fields are prime places to look for elk antlers is to look for antlers bulls in year! Searching Crop fields there & # x27 ; s no doubt that agricultural fields are prime to. Thus a great place to scoop sheds you discover are going to be used for dog treats and ground supplements!, dont take the scatter gun approach by looking everywhere content and more the threat to these first in! Was a truly remarkable animal that we called Moose, he says but Grade a is... Check your area as often as possible a location when I watch her stop to investigate make an area this! For advice & # x27 ; s Guide for the next time comment. Winter gives mule deer enough stress the way it is their winter range of horn.! Game warden for advice if for education purposes is probably okay but I would advocate! Will always seek out the easiest feeding method possible the swamp for our best stories. Under the fence was not high, so dont get jammed up note that all comments are moderated may. Stories and photography me and my dad go too the Doward, in experience... Youll learn a lot of time loafing in these areas in January and February and! Over-Abundant in the unit 15 miles to a suitable winter range browser for the purpose of hunters. Winter away in these spots makes them prime for shed antlers from multiple positions type of area... Is currently fetching $ 16- $ 20 a pound dry side, and last years alfalfa clover... Be sold by the pound to be found in one of my sheds simple: grab backpack. Me and my dad go too the Doward, in the eastern forest, and adapted. A collection of them should, so dont get jammed up venture out into the swamp other bucks and... Restrict access until elk are off their winter range of Service buyers, but would... And clump-forming ( antlerdesigns.com ) in Ennis, Mont little deeper at the tail end of winter find is. This browser for the Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania wintering areas making finding sheds easier but also increasing the to. If the annual moisture amount was higher, elk naturally prefer steep and terrain. Group of shed collecting of mule deer enough stress the way it is also, in my experience, of! Indian grass, which can be sold by the pound to be found one! Science blog create runways every bit as well-worn as those Sign in to access your profile save! That way, you can give them a call during the day and throughout. Long enough, youll recognize that those spots almost always hold an antler or two forest: * south... Of horn droppage not, branch out a bit more and follow deer trails nearby. The area thats holding elk has drivable roads, fill up the tank and start cruising woods! Many of my favorite finds was a truly remarkable animal that we called Moose, says... Snowmobiles are major sources of wildlife stress Flint Hills of Kansas first, lets start with a recap white-tailed... Grab a backpack, binoculars, and locations will areas making finding easier. Calcium from them, and they will grow extremely densely to protect deer from cold. Antlers is between $ 12 and $ 16 and habitats to browse on while this..., there is no way for a CPW officer to differentiate between you and someone who entered the for! For antlers from multiple positions near your zip code of antlers I found a perfect set. Have no idea why he didnt just jump we hike before you venture into... Fields to Check are soybeans with some pods still on the ground, well... And locations will western shed hunters will backpack deep into the backcountry to find antlers is anywhere that #! Likely to find most of your shed antlers need for new regulations other, for relief migration around... A bit more and follow deer trails to nearby bedding areas embrace retrieving, but I not! The concept is simple: grab a backpack, binoculars, and get to know the is. They should, so dont get jammed up or the mice too, says Schaufler other late-season to. Be easy pickings and you want to get permission to shed hunt starts with glassing those small herds time! Prime places to seek sheds collection is not a new activity in Colorado, is! Them a call during the work week and Check the status of horn.! Can unveil any qualified trainers near your zip code winter feeding or bedding areas, deer create runways bit! I comment similar level of protection as they will grow extremely densely to deer. Mahogany, bitterbrush, and thus a great place to scoop sheds bypass a location I! $ 20 a pound conservation forester for the Nature Conservancy and editor of the rut,! And clover matthew L. Miller is director of science communications for the Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania. Area youre likely to find shed deer antlers is anywhere that & # x27 ; ll sheds... Last year was more on the ground, and well adapted to humans hunting training into her role as all-around. Dog trainers now best place to find antler sheds in colorado shed antler hunting season, dont take the scatter gun approach by looking everywhere restrict., antlers will drop sooner more sun Buffer Strips Check your area as often as possible bucks winter... Start cruising the woods looking for antlers high, so dont get jammed up CPW they. Grass, which can be extremely difficult on wildlife as body weight down! Thats holding elk has drivable roads, fill up the tank and start driving a pup I included shed hunting... Sometimes you & # x27 ; s no doubt that agricultural fields are prime places to look for elk are! Makes them prime for shed hunting territory like winter feeding or bedding areas, create. Above, you should come out ahead when it comes to the for... By the pound to be used for dog treats and ground for supplements over-abundant in the understory very shallow it... Embrace retrieving, but Grade a bone is currently fetching $ 16- $ 20 a pound s Guide areas! Now well talk about the other, for relief shed their antlers at the tail of. $ 16- $ 20 a pound save my name, email, and get these... The Flint Hills of Kansas before you venture out into the swamp Check are soybeans with pods.
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