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Tips For Finding Antler Sheds
Since they are made of durable bone, deer antlers are perfect to use in countless different crafts and projects such as making chandeliers, lamps, picture frames, and of course deer calls. The problem is, though, if you want to get your hands on some, you're going to either have to either wait until hunting season and hope you shoot a big buck, or you can go out looking for antlers that have already been shed by them.
Going out and trying to find antlers after they've been shed is usually your best bet, as you can usually do it year-round legally and don't need any expensive hunting gear or experience. Plus, you can bring your friends and family and turn it into a fun outdoor activity. If you don't know where or when to start, don't worry, I'll cover the basics that have helped me be successful over the years.
The most important factor in determining your success of finding shed antlers is the time of year you go looking for. Most deer, you see, shed their antlers during the early months of spring, since this is when their mating season is over and the need to battle with other bucks is gone. After they shed their antlers, they will begin to regrow them with a soft velvety covering over them which provides nutrients to stimulate the regrowth. With this information, it's safe to say that the best times to go looking for antler sheds is in the months of January, February, and March. If you go later, you run the risk of finding antler sheds that have already been eaten by other wildlife.
When you go hunting for antlers, you'll want to look everywhere around you. Scan not only the ground, but the trees and bushes as well. You may find antlers stuck 5 feet up in some tree branches. Also, bring a stick (or find one), to uncover leaves and other debris with. If you have a large hunting ground with a lot of area to cover, try to look for areas where bucks travel. If you're new to hunting, let me tell you an obvious one, game trails. Deer and other animals follow these trails daily and it's likely that bucks will lose their antlers while they run down them. So take your stick, walk down the trail, and keep your eyes open!
I know you're probably an eager beaver now and ready to go and find some antlers, but let me remind you to obey the laws. For starters, this means no trespassing, and while you might not intend on going on someones private property, it's easy to do so if you're not paying attention to where you're going. Also, certain states have regulations on shed hunting, so visit your states game and fish website or give them a call to make sure you're following all the rules. With these tips you should have a better chance at finding some shed antlers on your next hunt.
For more tips on hunting deer antler sheds and to buy deer antlers, visit our website.
Article submitted Friday, January 27, 2012 & read 2 times.
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