Shed Hunting For Deer Antlers

People have been shed hunting for deer antlers as far back as the native Americans were traveling the woods and existing on deer meat for their survival. Deer antlers were used in many ways in those days, from hide scrapers to cooking tools. Modern day man may not have a need for such implements, but hunting for deer antlers is still a great sport for deer hunters during the off season.

You may be wondering why anyone would go out of their way to hunt for deer antlers, you can not eat them, so why bother? Well, deer antlers have uses for the modern day man although they may differ from when the natives used them. Deer antlers are very lovely items in and of themselves. They are easy to carve and make absolutely beautiful art pieces that for the can bring in a pretty penny for the gifted sculptor. They can also be used naturally to decorate a hunting cabin or even a home for the deer enthusiast. 

The first thing you need to know is when you should go shed hunting for deer antlers. The best time is in the winter and early spring, as this is when most bucks drop their existing antlers and prepare to grow the new ones for the upcoming summer. If you go out in summer, you may not have much success.  By going out when the deer are actually shedding their old antlers, you will be more likely to find some and they will be nice and fresh without moss or anything growing on them.

Knowing where to find antlers can be a little more tricky. If you have been shed hunting for deer antlers before and have been successful in finding antlers, then it is suggested that you try the same areas again. More than likely, the herd of deer have not gone too far from this area and you will have more success by staying within this area. 

If this is the first time you are going shed hunting for deer antlers, you will need to be more of a tracker to find fresh antlers. You will also need to find spots that bucks winter in. Check for trails they have left and rubs from their antlers as they try to break them free. If you spot a group of bucks, look to see if they have started dropping their antlers yet. If you see some bucks with out antlers, it is often the case the antlers will be in the area you are at.

One thing to remember is that you will not just stumble upon the antlers. You will need to be creative in your search. Look in the trees at eye level. If the bucks were traveling through the woods when their antlers dropped, the antlers may have gotten caught up in dense tree branches. 

You may also want to check on the ground, under the snow, or leaf covering. Do not just assume because you can not see the antlers that they are not there. Some people who go shed hunting for deer antlers have even trained dogs to help them in their search. Dogs can help root out in areas you may not be able to get to because of the dense brush. Most of all, have patience, because you may not get lucky your first day out, but by searching methodically, you will succeed.