Shed hunting

Blackbear · #1 02/04/12, 06:05 PM

Shed hunted today in Central Virginia on a nice tract of 3,000 acres that harbors monster bucks because no one hunts it.We may be a few weeks late but we did find a few 8 pointers.The one I found has crab claw antlers and the 2 antlers almost come together. A couple we found were only 1 side of the rack but it will make a great hat rack in the man cave.Walked 5 miles before the rain chased us away.

Ed Norman · #2 02/04/12, 06:36 PM

The deer haven't even thought about shedding here yet, and of course the elk are much later. I've always liked it when I find two of them a foot apart with the bases facing each other. You can just imagine the critter laying there and they both drop.

I once saw a bunch of bulls run thru a thicket. When they came out, I noticed one had one antler. Sure enough, the other was in the brush.

Blackbear · #3 02/04/12, 08:35 PM

That is neat, did you go and get it? From what I heard the deer here were dropping early because of how warm it is.We usually shed hunt mid Jan but it is also usually alot colder here

braggscowboy · #4 02/04/12, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbear

That is neat, did you go and get it? From what I heard the deer here were dropping early because of how warm it is.We usually shed hunt mid Jan but it is also usually alot colder here

I think it is time here in NE Okla. I have found some in the first week of Feb. before, but we have heavy timber and it is hard to find one. I am checking the crossings at the fences.

Ed Norman · #5 02/04/12, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbear

That is neat, did you go and get it? From what I heard the deer here were dropping early because of how warm it is.We usually shed hunt mid Jan but it is also usually alot colder here

You bet I went and got it.

farmerDale · #6 02/04/12, 09:11 PM

Finding them now sure beats flattening 2000 dollar tractor tires in the spring. Haven't gone yet, but one of these days I'll take the kids. I always picture a 60" moose, or a 400 elk dropping one antler while napping. Suddenly the head tips to the side, and they say, Huh????

Blackbear · #7 02/04/12, 09:20 PM

You Ive thought the same thing when I found the antlers today, the deer was wondering why did part of my head just fall off. I am sure shed hunting in elk and moose country is awesome. No elk by us, have to travel 4 hours to the west to be in elk country.

ksfarmer · #8 02/04/12, 09:58 PM

Must be shedding late this year here. Saw a nice 10-pt yesterday with all intact.

farmerDale · #9 02/04/12, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbear

You Ive thought the same thing when I found the antlers today, the deer was wondering why did part of my head just fall off. I am sure shed hunting in elk and moose country is awesome. No elk by us, have to travel 4 hours to the west to be in elk country.

Elk and deer sheds tend to be easier to find, at least here, as they are a trail animal when the snow gets deep, so hiking on their highways is a simple thing to do, and effective at collecting antlers.

Moose though, wander aimlessly, having little need for a trail. They plod around browsing wherever they desire, and so finding a moose antler is more of a bonus, chance type proposition. I have found them in my fields in the spring. Again, I grab sheds for two reasons, beacause it is fun, effective at getting to know hunting areas and the quality of the animals in your area, and to protect my tractor, truck, and combine tires from expensive repairs and replacement.

It is a blessing to be in this area where you never know what type of ungulate antler one may find next. While we were skating on our wilderness pond today, a band of mule deer watched from a distance. Mule deer are a novelty for this area, and within this group of 13, three or four were bucks. So now I have one more species to add to my shed hunting repertoire. Whitetail, mule, elk, and moose. We just need some caribou! lol

OkieDavid · #10 02/05/12, 08:38 AM

Ever use dogs? Fairly common around here. Go to youtube and search for shed hunting with dogs........

farmerDale · #11 02/05/12, 02:57 PM

That is funny you mention that! My old dog would have a new shed or two on the steps every morning during shed season. He was awesome. The dog now, I am sure would help a fair bit, as he chews on my old sheds all day long, but he is just a pup!

elevenpoint · #12 02/05/12, 03:44 PM

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Not sure what this guy's fate was but the hounds brought it up from the woods somewhere the other day.

Blackbear · #13 02/05/12, 07:47 PM

I wish our basset/blood hound would find sheds, he has to start earning his keep on the homestead.lol. That is a nice find right there elevenpoint. I found one similiar in thickness but not as wide, mine came together and almost touch. I haven't even hit my land yet, who knows what lies in wait. lol

May have to head west next year to the Kentucky line to look for elk sheds