BirddogGSP
Active member
Looking to get the dog some exercise and take up shed hunting. What's the ideal time of year to look for shed? when do they drop.. Suggestions welcome -products/books
Shed Hunting - Rookie Questions
- Thread starter BirddogGSP
- Start date
goldenboy
Well-known member
Typically guys start to look after presidents day in my neck of the woods. But if the deer are stressed they might drop them in December. Lots of variables in this. If you are like you say looking for exercise then don't be afraid to cover the same ground every two weeks or so. I was out last week on property her in Minnesota and the deer have had a mild winter so some of the bucks are still holding onto their antlers.
Interesting side note a buddy told me that if they are still holding their antlers it is because some of the does are still going into estrous.
Interesting side note a buddy told me that if they are still holding their antlers it is because some of the does are still going into estrous.
PheasantWhisperer
Member
antler dogs.
Walk the fencerows and cedar patches. I do better in bedding areas. But have found them in corn stalks though in feeding areas. I have a fencerow that has cedars in it. Thats where I usually find them. One of my vizslas is trained to find them. Well, she will bring me about every type of bone there is. I just say good girl and move on. A deer antler became her fetch toy when she was young. Then I would go hide them in the woods in 4 or 5 different spots and take her out to find them. Sort of like teaching them to hunt dead. Did it at night some too, to make sure she was using her nose and not sight. She brought me 5 or 6 during bird season. Last years sheds. I havent had her out very much so far but most all the deer have lost their antlers. Only had one on game camera that had one side still on.
Walk the fencerows and cedar patches. I do better in bedding areas. But have found them in corn stalks though in feeding areas. I have a fencerow that has cedars in it. Thats where I usually find them. One of my vizslas is trained to find them. Well, she will bring me about every type of bone there is. I just say good girl and move on. A deer antler became her fetch toy when she was young. Then I would go hide them in the woods in 4 or 5 different spots and take her out to find them. Sort of like teaching them to hunt dead. Did it at night some too, to make sure she was using her nose and not sight. She brought me 5 or 6 during bird season. Last years sheds. I havent had her out very much so far but most all the deer have lost their antlers. Only had one on game camera that had one side still on.
BleuBijou
Active member
It depends where you are located to be honest..I find Whitetails here in Colorado drop a bit later then the Mule deer..Now is a good time, but make sure you are not in a place where the deer are currently wintering if you are in the Hills...Some areas now have a restricted season here in Colorado to keep people from harrassing the deer when they are still trying to combat starvation in hard wintering areas and any pressure on the deer will kill them.. Out in Eastern Colorado it is not a problem.
BleuBijou
Active member
Yes, it is a good idea to check regulations where you intend to find and pick up shed antlers..Not a problem for most areas, but do not want anyone to get in trouble!! Good luck!!:cheers:
PheasantWhisperer
Member
Found a few
Went out with the dogs last night and found 7 sheds. Only 1 pair. Nothing huge. Maybe a 135 inch 10-point side. The pair was a small 8. Mice/Squirrel damage very minimal. My daughter found a whole skull with both sides a couple weeks ago. Small 8. Dont know how it died. Hopefully not CWD or anything like that. I would rather it be a poacher than a disease. Since we found quite a few small ones I'd say that all the ones that are gonna lose em have already. Piper puppy actually found one. Old dog found the rest except one I almost stepped on.
Went out with the dogs last night and found 7 sheds. Only 1 pair. Nothing huge. Maybe a 135 inch 10-point side. The pair was a small 8. Mice/Squirrel damage very minimal. My daughter found a whole skull with both sides a couple weeks ago. Small 8. Dont know how it died. Hopefully not CWD or anything like that. I would rather it be a poacher than a disease. Since we found quite a few small ones I'd say that all the ones that are gonna lose em have already. Piper puppy actually found one. Old dog found the rest except one I almost stepped on.
PheasantWhisperer
Member
I know. It may be more squirrel action than mice. The ones on my porch are clean. But ill find some in the woods that are new and half eaten. I dont know?
PheasantWhisperer
Member
Yesterday
Found this one yesterday. Been out there over a year. Dog sniffed it, picked it up, and dropped it. She didnt act like she wanted to bring it. She did after I told her too but I dont usually have to, she just does it. I dont know if the antlers themselves lose scent after a while or what.?. Anyone else know? I assume they do. This one had some damage on the ends. But really good base mass on it.
Found this one yesterday. Been out there over a year. Dog sniffed it, picked it up, and dropped it. She didnt act like she wanted to bring it. She did after I told her too but I dont usually have to, she just does it. I dont know if the antlers themselves lose scent after a while or what.?. Anyone else know? I assume they do. This one had some damage on the ends. But really good base mass on it.
BleuBijou
Active member
Nice!! All burred up the main beam!! Good find!! I would also guess that being off the deer for that long the scent is not as good!!:coolpics:
PheasantWhisperer
Member
I figured the scent wouldnt be as good. But she started creepin with her tail hammering like normal or when she gets birdy. So she smelled it. Dont think she sight grabbed it. Just acted like she didnt like the taste of it.