Beat Cabin Fever: Shed Hunting

[camptravis]

Every winter a deer's antlers will become loose from their heads and eventually fall off (but don't worry they grow back new ones over the summer). Usually around the end of January I will hit the woods and cover miles of ground in search of these precious bones. This is called shed hunting. A shed is just a deer's antler that has fallen off. And shed hunting is just looking for and collecting them.

This is one of my favorite hobbies because not only does it cost $0 to do, but it gives me plenty of exercise. I also like hiking out in nature so this just adds another component to that. All I need is a pair of boots, some warm clothes and a pair of well-trained eyes. This is just the perfect hobby for a nature freak like me.

I need to give a word of warning though. It's a pretty tough activity, especially if you've never done it before. There are lots of little tricks you have to learn in order to find antlers consistently. You can't just walk around randomly and hope to find a lot. You need to find out where the deer have been wintering and which areas would be good places for them to drop (for example: Bedding, feeding and transition areas). However, there is also a lot of plain old luck involved. Last year, for example, was a pretty bad year for me. I went out around 20 twenty times last year (probably averaging 5 miles of walking each time) and I only found two old ones. But then 3 years ago I went out about the same number of times and found 17 in one year. So luck is a huge part of it.

Most trips I don't find antlers, but I have found up to 3 in a single trip so you just got to have patience. Even if i don't find any I still enjoy being outside, but seeing those tines sticking out of the snow definitely makes it more enjoyable.

Has anyone else ever gone shed hunting before?

[Darlene]

Hubby loves to strap on his snowshoes and walk around, not necessarily to go "shedding" but just to get out and get some exercise and see what signs of wildlife he can find. Do you do anything special with the antlers you find?

[camptravis]

I put most of them on shelves and just display them like natural made trophies. Right now they are all at my parents house in my old room, which is now serving as a storage room ha ha, but when I move into my own house I'll probably decorate the hell out of it with all my antlers. I probably have around 40 now. A lot shed hunters make things like antler chandeliers with their sheds or sell them, but I don't think I could ever damage or part with any of mine. Maybe if I was broke and needed the money, but I'll doubt that'll ever happen.

[Ceashels]

You could make your own cutlery....!

What a great hobby.

[Russ]

never been shed hunting but from some of the deer I've shot we've given the dogs the antlers. The gnaw on them for hours and they last for a long time.

[ecgsmama]

My husband and sons love to do this (me not so much). But you're right - great exercise and free entertainment! Love it!

[ravenmaniac]

My husband is a "game warden". He has found sheds too. They are pretty. We have a few in the garage but you have sparked my creativity. I'm already thinking of ideas for the family room.

Our yard is part of a path deer use to get back and forth between the power lines about 1/4 mile behind us and the land trust across the street. I should check the wooded part of our yard and see what I can find.

[renmerc446]

Innnteresting. Doubt I'd find many in my area since I'm in the 'burbs but there are some areas I know where I might find some. I'll keep a look out.