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Shed Hunting: A Treasure Hunt for Hunters
The magic of shed hunting—searching for antlers that deer naturally shed as part of their yearly cycle. It’s more than just a fun pastime; it’s a rewarding way to connect with nature, keep your tracking skills sharp, and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
Shed Hunting?
Shed hunting is the practice of searching for antlers that deer (and other antlered animals like elk) shed in late winter to early spring as part of their natural biology. These antlers can be found scattered across fields, woodlands, and even backyards, waiting for the right hunter to stumble across them.
Though not quite the same as hunting live game, it offers a similar rush of satisfaction when you find a prized shed. Plus, the resulting antlers are excellent for decoration, crafting, or simply as tokens of your outdoor adventures.
Why Hunters Love Shed Hunting
1. The Thrill of the Hunt
Shed hunting may not involve rifles or bows, but it still gets your adrenaline going. Spotting that curve of bone among the leaves is nothing short of exhilarating—like finding treasure hidden in plain sight.
Adding to the excitement is the potential for variety. Sometimes you’ll stumble across a small forked antler, and other times, you'll discover massive sets that belonged to trophy-worthy bucks!
2. A Great Off-Season Activity
Deer hunting season doesn’t last all year, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay out of the woods. Shed hunting fills the gap, giving hunters an excuse to get outside, scout deer trails, and stay connected to their passion.
What’s more, finding sheds can actually provide valuable insights for future hunts. By examining where and when you’re finding antlers, you can infer details about deer behavior, bedding areas, and travel routes.
3. Fun for the Whole Family
One of the best aspects of shed hunting is that it’s something everyone can enjoy—even kids! Children especially seem to have an advantage since they’re closer to the ground and have a knack for spotting things adults often overlook.
It’s an engaging way to teach them about wildlife, explore the outdoors, and instill an appreciation for nature.
4. Health and Wellbeing
Walking through rugged terrain, climbing over logs, and covering miles of trails? Shed hunting is a workout without feeling like one! It's an excellent way to stay active, stretch your legs after a winter indoors, and hit those 10,000 daily steps (or more).
Tips for Successful Shed Hunting
To maximize your efforts and bring home a haul of antlers, keep these tips in mind while you're out in the field.
1. Time Your Hunts Right
Deer typically shed their antlers between late December and March, so early spring is prime shed hunting season. Heading out after a thaw ensures you're not digging under snow, giving you a clearer view of potential hiding spots.
2. Scout the Right Locations
Deer antlers don’t just fall off anywhere. Focus your search on areas where deer spend most of their time during the colder months, such as bedding areas, feeding zones, and travel corridors. Fields, wooded edges, and near water sources are ideal places to search.
3. Use Your onX App
Tracking your route with the onX app is an absolute game changer. Record the areas you've already searched to make sure you don’t miss any spots the next time you head out. Plus, it’s satisfying to review your tracks and see just how much ground you managed to cover!
Bonus tip? Mark specific spots where you find sheds so you can return to those productive areas again next year.
4. Slow Down and Look Closely
Walking too quickly through a field or forested area can make you miss a shed hiding in plain sight. Take your time, scan back and forth often, and keep your eyes peeled for the telltale shapes and colors of antlers.
5. Bring the Right Gear
Shed hunting doesn’t require much, but a few essentials can make your day more enjoyable. Wear comfortable hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing, and don’t forget a backpack for your finds. A set of Athlon binoculars can also come in handy for scanning landscapes from a distance.
6. Get the Kids Involved
Kids bring a fresh perspective to shed hunting—and their enthusiasm is often infectious! Turn your trip into a game or a scavenger hunt and see who can find the most antlers. Not only will they have a blast, but this experience will also create lasting memories for your family.
What to Do with Your Shed Antlers
Once you’ve collected your antlers, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas for what to do with your finds:
- Display Pieces: Mount them as unique wall decorations or centerpieces.
- Craft Projects: Create one-of-a-kind items like knife handles, chandeliers, or even furniture.
- Dog Treats: Antlers make excellent natural chew toys for dogs—they’re long-lasting and won’t splinter.
- Sell Them: Antlers can be surprisingly valuable, especially unique or large ones.
Shed hunting is the perfect blend of adventure, learning, and fun for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Not only do you get to hone your tracking skills, but you also enjoy the thrill of discovery while spending quality time in nature.
If you’re itching to get back into the woods during the off-season, grab your boots, fire up your onX app, and turn your next trek into an antler treasure hunt. Trust us, the satisfaction of finding your first set of sheds will keep you coming back for more.
Happy hunting and happy trails!
