One of the best outdoor family activities a hunter can take part in is antler shed hunting. Not only is shed hunting a great outdoor family activity, it is a great way for deer hunters to gain valuable information about their local deer herd. There are a number of tricks and tips shed hunters can use to increase their success. One of the biggest keys to finding antler sheds is, knowing when to start shed hunting.
Knowing when to start shed hunting is critical for finding sheds. The sooner you know when the bucks start dropping their antlers, the better chance you have of finding them. In this post I will share a couple tips you can use to help you determine when you should start looking for antler sheds.
The Importance of Knowing When to Start Shed Hunting.
When it comes to hunting, often, timing is everything. Antler shed hunting is no different. In my opinion, there are two reason you should know when to start shed hunting.
- Beat the other critters to the prize
Deer antlers offer many different types of nutrients that benefit other wildlife. Squirrels often will chew on antlers years after they drop to the ground. This can ruin the original form of the antler shed. Coyotes will often chew on antlers just long enough to ruin their original form. Like coyotes, the domestic k-9s also will pick up and carry sheds back to their home. Dogs that have freedom to roam about, will make antler sheds disappear from your property. By knowing when antler sheds start to drop, you can improve you chances at beating the other critters to the prize.
- Less vegetation equals finding more antler sheds
Depending on what region of the US you hunt, bucks typically begin to drop their antlers from late winter to early spring. In recent years, I have noticed antlers begin dropping late February in Louisiana. During this time of the year, vegetation is scarce. Scarce vegetation makes for great shed hunting. If you wait until late March or April in Louisiana to begin shed hunting, you can have trouble seeing sheds covered by the spring vegetation growth.
Utilizing Trail Cameras to find out when bucks start dropping their antlers
Trail cameras are one of the most versatile tools ever invented. Not only are they great reconnaissance tools for deer hunting, they also are great for revealing when bucks begin to shed their antlers. If you are passionate about antler shed hunting, I recommend you continue to keep your trail cams active well after deer season closes. Trail cams can almost immediately tell you when the bucks begin dropping their antlers.
Strategically placed trail cams can also help shed hunters gain an idea of where a specific buck possibly dropped his antlers. I like to keep about three cameras active after season closes. By having three trail cams active, I can identify specific bucks in an area. If a specific buck visits one of my cameras with two antlers then, later in the night he visits another camera with one antler on his head, I now know the general area where the buck possibly dropped his antler.
Past History
Of course the more traditional way of determining when to begin antler shed hunting is by going off previous history. I always begin shed hunting in February. I know based on my previous experiences shed hunting, Late February is when I typically begin finding sheds. However, each year results are different. A couple years ago I began keeping a journal. Keeping a journal to record shed hunting results might sound a little extreme. However, I keep a journal for all of my hunting results. I highly recommend you try this. Keeping a hunting journal will not require much effort and you will find a journal can really improve your results for hunting and fishing. We can always learn from the past and a journal is a great for keeping memories that otherwise might be forgotten.
Shed Hunting Tips
- Shed hunt during sunny days
If possible, try to shed hunt during the brightest part of the day. Often sun shining off a fresh shed will be easy to recognize from a distance.
- Cover as much ground as possible
Covering a lot of ground is key to finding sheds. The more area you can cover the better chances you have of finding sheds.
- Focus on bedding areas and food sources
Food plots and bedding areas are great places to find sheds. Deer will focus on food during the late winter and early spring. Use this tip to your advantage if you have limited time to shed hunt.
- Use optics to expand you range
Using binoculars can really help you scan for sheds from a distance. Binoculars can also help you be more efficient and save time when shed hunting.
Summary
Shed hunting is a fun family activity people of all ages can enjoy. If you have never took time to find some antler sheds after deer season, you should consider doing so. Not only will you have fun in the deer woods after deer season, you will also have a blast looking for one of nature’s treasures.
I hope this article helps you guys find more success shed hunting. We have more great tips for hunting and fishing at Americabhuntingsafari.com. Please subscribe for the latest tips and trick we use for hunting, fishing, and cooking wild game at Americsnhuntingsafari.com.
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