As a result, in 2009, the state of Utah started requiring a mandatory ethics course for anyone interested in collecting deer shed antlers. Aside from cash value, there have been so many people that have built an entire business that revolves around antlers and the things you can create with them. For questions about travel management plans or areas protected from human entry contact the U.S. Forest Service, BLM or land owner. Youll want to leave most oaks and fruit trees that provide mast for deer, which will further enhance it as a feeding area. Pine forests with a tall canopy help filter out snow, which keeps the snow levels in the understory very shallow. The best places to find shed antlers are areas that hold deer during certain parts of their daily routine, which increases the likelihood of you finding antlers. If you really want to learn an area that you are going to hunt in the future, then put in some time watching the animals in the winter and as you shed hunt. If you focus on the areas above, you should come out ahead when it comes to the search for shed antlers. Outline your area of search, a solid grid will be more successful than a sloppy guess of random areas. SALT LAKE CITY "Shed hunting" is a fairly popular activity in Utah, as an estimated 20,000 people head out into the state's outdoors every late winter and early spring looking for antlers. http://www.jacksonholetraveler.com/article/elkfest-jackson-hole-antler-auction/, Mecca, O. High mountains and deep drainages are a cause for optics making glassing necessary. This is important since deer hooves sink right through deep snow; this sheltered spot offers a break from the otherwise difficult travel conditions. If you find the animals' sheds, it can teach you a lot about their patterns and habits. Spending time learning each area of the mountains and how the weather, elevation, and predators affect these animals will be your best shot at finding antlers. Take a look through and see if any places come to mind on the land you shed hunt. Spot or stalk our mature herds full of trophy-sized bison across 4,000 acres of beautiful Utah wilderness. Best Places to Visit in Utah. Cold weather, snow, and human contact may all affect deer survival rates in the winter, say state scientists. Laws govern shed hunting in the mountain states. The shed antlers you find can shed some light on the buck that carried them. Chapter 2: What Is Shed Hunting . Leash your dogs near deer and elk. During certain times of the year, some WMAs are closed to protect wildlife . Some ideal water sources are going to be rivers, ponds, creeks, streams and swamps. Finding some of these massive antlers is also a thrill.. I've spend a total of 34-1/2 hours in the woods looking, and found only a couple . Although quality is reportedly down from 2005-2007 levels, Utah is still a premier hunting destination for BIG bulls. Fencelines are a great place to find sheds. 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://www.gomuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/best-places-to-find-shed-antlers_Feature.jpg, https://www.gomuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Muddy_Logo_shadow-Low.png. No restrictions for private property. An all-inclusive bison hunt at West Canyon Ranch in 2023 costs $10,000 per hunter plus tax. States in this region include Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Check areas where deer congregate. Alternatively, we anticipate the beginning of shed antler season and follow the rules set for public lands. Lets talk about why states restrict shed hunting. Friendly reminder and ethics. Thank you! Every spring, reports of big shed antlers come out of the Hawkeye State. Therefore, many states only allow shed hunting during some parts of the year. Bob, they vary by state fees. Nathan Stohosky is a conservation officer for the . They aren't the easiest thing to find. In most parts of the whitetail range, winter browse is actually a much more important part of a whitetails diet than any food plot or agricultural field. From February 1st-April 15th, yo. Privacy & Terms, We have over 30 years of experience throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana and New Mexico. Bedding Areas - Try to look for thick areas of brush where deer are bedding. Thermal cover is typically the most snarling, nasty thicket within a quarter mile of a food source. Check and scout these grassy areas, slowly moving into areas deer pour into at night. They are frequently only required to drop that little shock or bump. In much of the Midwest, corn and soybean fields are king when it comes to deer nutrition. With that in mind, we're going to look at some of the best states for you to burn some boot leather grab some sheds. Each state has their own set of guidelines and rules that you must follow for shed huntingsome states have specific dates of when you can start to look for and gather the sheds, while others are more open and less restrictive. Hazel or dogwood thickets offer a similar benefit on undisturbed upland sites, while alder or willow swamps are the equivalents for wetland sites. Utah has an interesting Mule Deer system. The later hunts can be hard due to bad weather and previous hunting pressure from the earlier hunts. Coverage is required for Shed Hunting success. Moab. Thats a great way to really increase your odds of finding a shed antler! While there are several dates corresponding to these hunt units either one would provide for a great opportunity at harvesting a rare free range bison. Deer and elk are easier to pattern in the winterDeer and elk dont usually move a long way in the winter because at that point, their bodies are worn down from the rut and the long winter months they have just had to endure. The hardest part about killing a big bull moose (besides drawing the tag), is finding him. The antler gathering restrictions are effective Feb. 7 through April 30, 2023 across Utah including on both private and public lands. Once the course is completed, gatherers need. Shed hunting is the pursuit of searching for and keeping naturally shed antlers. The northeast region is very similar in climate to the midwest, so sheds will be dropping around the same time frame. Wyoming - Shoshone National Forest Also in the Cowboy State, the Beartooth Mountains offer classic wilderness elk hunting. Unless we own the farm or ranchland, we must ask permission to hunt on private property. Salt Lake City The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced a statewide emergency closure to "shed hunting" Tuesday in an effort to help wintering big game, particularly deer populations. One of the fastest-growing tissues in all of the animal kingdom to be specific. The concept is simple: grab a backpack, some binos, and your good buddies and start cruising the woods looking for antlers. Because the animals are at their low points for body strength and stamina, it is crucial that we dont put more stress on them during these months; shed hunt with the wildlife in mind. Fish and Wildlife with harvesting the shed antlers. ), Image by Rebecca Noble ElkFest 2019. The term shed hunting refers to a different kind of shed: deer antlers. That's a small price to pay for an unforgettable life experience. Many families like it since its a great way to spend time together in the fresh air. You're going to be doing a lot of walking so investing in a comfortable pair of boots will be important. Find feeding areas However, it extends beyond only observing the interactions between animals and their human counterparts. Forests and grasslands may place some areas as off limits to hunting. We have been fortunate enough to pick up the sheds and harvest the same animal years later and it's awesome to see the growth and changes these animals make in a few years time. Your email address will not be published. If you stick with us til the end of this post, youll see tips for successful shed hunts. Just pack snacks and savor the delight. It is illegal to collect antler or horn parts of animals in Utah without an accompanying license, permission, or receipt. For deer antlers, that is going to be a different area than it would be for elk, most of the time. May move to Henry Mountains if there is not too much activity in MC. States in this region include Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Pine stands, cedars and other conifer trees are great wind blockers and provide cover. Body weight is down. With our rewards program, you can receive rewards points, exclusive offers, early access to new products, and more. The best time to go shed hunting in Utah is in the springtime. Deer wont venture out into open grassy areas until they feel safe. Speaking of general hunts, the northern end of the state probably has the most difficult hunting. Once treated for splinters they make a great chew toy for dogs. Shed season opens at noon on May 1 on public lands. PHOTO GALLERY: ElkFest 2019. Whats going on in the winter? Always ask permission before entering private property or land. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copywright HuntAddicts.com | All Rights Reserved, Digiscoping: The Best Way to Take Photos & Video through Your Optics. 2. No deadheads . Discovering a property that checks all your boxes often starts with you looking at the wrong priorities. Winter is over and now comes shed hunting season. Luckily, there are several great places to find shed antlers that you can pinpoint before you even leave the house. As a wildlife expert puts it, its like a cross between a winter stroll and a treasure hunt., Utah Division of Wildlife Resources spokesperson Faith Heaton Jolley described it as a very significant, sort of popular activity in the state. March 14 -15, 2016. Between the bedding and feeding areas, there will often be pretty dominant travel corridors the deer use. If you dont have any on your own private land, you can create that habitat right now to increase your chances of finding a few sheds this winter and for many to come. Winter stress causes animals to spend more energy searching for food or fleeing danger than they do gathering energy from foraging, which coincides with the decline patterns. If they try to jump fences, however, their heavy racks often detach. We know these states well, including some undiscovered places. This saying goes for shed hunting in many instances. Jackson Hole ElkFest and Antler Auction. In April each year, the Jackson Hole Boy Scouts assist U.S. Explore working and recreational ranches in the Rocky Mountains. His shed hunting passion began as a young boy and he hopes to pass this same hobby on to his kids. DWR Public Information Officer Faith Heaton-Jolley said the required course explains how the shed hunter can legally search from February 1 until April 15. People are also advised not to disrupt any probable evidence, like footprints, in the vicinity. If they can ride in an ATV, even little ones relish the adventure. Find South Facing Slopes that animals use to stay warm, find a high point, and start scanning. Especially in wet spring conditions. Ask a local wildlife biologist or game warden for help. Outdoorsmen Dave Harrigan and Hunter Harrigan know the value of Colorado ranches and farms and equivalent properties in New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Montana. You need education to hunt in Utah if you were born after Dec. 31, 1965. A gun and bird dog, the Pudelpointer is one of the best shed hunting dog breeds thanks to its versatility to track game in various rough conditions. A large and unique rack in a deer shed can command a lot of money when it is willing to sell it. Shed hunting is yet another way to get outdoors, improve your hunting skill set, and scout new lands. All antlers will be graded and then priced. People often overlook food plots for shed hunting. Trail cameras can be used to monitor the timing of antler drops in your area. Non-resident tags are very hard to get for the Henry Mountains. Call Harrigan Land Company at 303-908-1101. Deer tracks are likely to be found at lower elevations. (2022, February 5). The prime shed hunting season in Montana begins in mid-March and ends in early June. Any still-stranded sheds in the Beehive State will stay where they are until May 1. Registered ATVs must be compliant. In the current shed antler craze, people cash them in or use them for crafts, furniture building, health aids. These are prime spots for finding antler sheds. When the weather is nice, the deer will prefer a different bedding area. As if the food and accommodations weren't enough of an incentive, thousands of acres await the motivated shed hunter. Sign up and receive monthly emails when we publish new content. It will give you the ability to save and mark locations such as tree stands, cameras, rubs, scrapes, and anything you can use later, right from your phone. Closing the shed antler and horn gathering season will minimize a major source of disturbance in the areas and during the time periods when big game animals are the most exposed and vulnerable. Although there are numerous shed hunting tips available, focusing solely on shed hunting is the key to success. That being said, youll want to wait to check out any bedding areas for shed antlers until you know that bucks have dropped them, simply because you can chase them to a neighboring property before theyre ready. Starting in 2022, shed hunters also need to take an ethics course. The Pro-Cam 12 is a great trail camera that you can use throughout the year to keep tabs on the deer herd. Except for other emergency changes made since Jan 1, 2023, all other rules established in the 2023 Big Game Application Guidebook remain in effect. The deer use solar cover as a bedding area on days when it is sunny. Can You Safely Watch A Solar Eclipse Through Binoculars With Solar Eclipse Glasses? Join now for news, updates, special offers & insights. Complete . Spot 4 - The road mostly follows the river and then forks off to the northwest which allows access to this area. Our discount gear program can save you up to 50% on over 75+ top hunting brands. Big game. When the new set is ready, it will be available in mid-summer. The hunting experience on a CMWU depends a lot on the operator. I've been diligently hitting the woods looking for sheds over the last couple of weeks. Its also a great way to scout those new private lands you just got permission on, or those public lands you found on HuntWise. Here are a few tools to help you on your shed hunts: Use the map to pinpoint trail camera placement, locate thermal cover, identify south-facing slopes, and cover. An increasing number of us look Read more . The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced a statewide emergency closure to "shed hunting" in an effort to help wintering deer and elk across Utah. The days get longer, testosterone increases, mineralization increases & the growth continues into the summer. Elk sheds are worth anywhere from $12 - $16 per pound, hard whites $8 - $11 per pound, and chalk only worth $1 - $3. Deer shed their antlers each year, and these shed antlers can be found in a variety of locations. Since deer would typically drop their antlers in a feeding area during the night, youd have a great chance at finding a fresh deer antler before anyone else if youre up against other public land shed hunters. To be more successful at finding more sheds, you really must be determined and willing to put in more time than the next shed hunter during those crucial late winter and early spring months (January-March). Jump to Latest Follow Before going out into the field, well tell you why regulators restrict shed hunting. Deer are adapted to rest during the day and feed throughout the night. On the flip side, you will also have days when you luck into that big one or get lucky and match up a big set from one of the mature bucks/bulls youve been watching. All rights reserved. As long as the antlers arent attached to an animals head or the person isnt trespassing on private or closed terrain, its OK to gather fallen antlers after April 15. You dont want antler barbs attacking tractor or ATV tires, right? Now that weve covered the two dominant sites to find shed antlers, lets look at the last place you can find them. Military and First Responder discount available. Deer often follow the same trails when they shed their antlers. 449 S 12th St.Tampa, Florida 33602United States, The Essential Guide To Choosing The Right Binoculars For Your Needs, Discover The Origin Of Alpen Binoculars Quality Craftsmanship From The USA And Asia, Discover The Wonders Of The World With Colorblind Binoculars: Experience The Full Spectrum Of Color, Discover The Perfect Binoculars For Bird Watching And Nature Enthusiasts: Exploring Eagle Optics Wide Variety Of Models, Exploring The Causes And Fixes Of Amusing My Binoculars To See Double, Bringing Binoculars To Baseball Games: Considerations And Benefits, How To Get Binoculars In Battlefront 2: Unlocking The Tactical Advantage. To hunting this post, youll see tips for successful shed hunts levels in the Cowboy State, the end... Can use throughout the night this is important since deer hooves sink right through deep ;! Dont want antler barbs attacking tractor or ATV tires, right skill set, and start cruising the looking! It can teach you a lot of money when it comes to the Midwest, so sheds will important! And human contact may all affect deer survival rates in the winter, say State.. Land you shed hunt on to his kids spring, reports of big shed you... Refers to a different kind of shed: deer antlers skill set, and contact... Through deep snow ; this sheltered spot offers a break from the earlier hunts are... The fastest-growing tissues in all of the time grid will be dropping around the same trails when they their! During some parts of animals in Utah if you were born after Dec. 31 1965! Areas of brush where deer are bedding is the pursuit of searching for keeping. Drops in your area the Cowboy State, the Jackson Hole Boy Scouts U.S! A different area than it would be for elk, most of the State probably has most! These shed antlers come out ahead when it is willing to sell.. Or use them for crafts, furniture building, health aids and recreational ranches in the vicinity is great! To his kids Montana begins in mid-March and ends in early June they make a great chew toy for.! Tag ), is finding him would be for elk, most of the Hawkeye.! A large and unique rack in a comfortable pair of boots will be more successful a! Sloppy guess of random areas jump fences, However, it extends beyond only observing the interactions between and... Farm or ranchland, we anticipate the beginning of shed antler season and follow rules..., Montana and new Mexico some undiscovered places hunting passion began as a bedding on. Same time frame well tell you why regulators restrict shed hunting season that weve covered the dominant. At lower elevations successful than a sloppy guess of random areas soybean are... Animals use to stay warm, find a high point, and scout these grassy areas, slowly into! Top hunting brands February 1 until April 15, health aids classic wilderness elk hunting to pass this same on! 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And other conifer trees are great wind blockers and provide cover, snow, and human contact all! Road mostly follows the river and then forks off to the Midwest, so sheds will be more successful best places to shed hunt in utah. Going out into the field, well tell you why regulators restrict shed hunting refers to a different kind shed... After Dec. 31, 1965 deep drainages are a cause for optics making glassing necessary '!, nasty thicket within a quarter mile of a food source the day and feed throughout the year keep. Or areas protected from human entry contact the U.S. Forest Service, BLM or.. 2005-2007 levels, Utah is in the Beehive State will stay where they are only... Is illegal to collect antler or horn parts of the Hawkeye State further it. Forks off to the northwest which allows access to new products, and human contact may all deer. Feel safe be a different kind of shed antler season and follow the rules set for public.... Horn parts of animals in Utah is in the springtime Information Officer Faith Heaton-Jolley said required! Of trophy-sized bison across 4,000 acres of beautiful Utah wilderness property that all! That little shock or bump is important since deer hooves sink right through snow... Tips available, focusing solely on shed hunting this area the most difficult hunting human... The beginning of shed antler nasty thicket within a quarter mile of food... Cold weather, snow, and human contact may all affect deer survival rates the. Gear program can save you up to 50 % on over 75+ top hunting.... Shed antlers that you can pinpoint before you even leave the house join for... Updates, special offers & insights reportedly down from 2005-2007 levels, Utah Montana., improve your hunting skill set, and start scanning Montana begins in mid-March and in! Must ask permission before entering private property or land owner Slopes that animals use to stay warm, a! And their human counterparts available, focusing solely on shed hunting season undiscovered places unforgettable life.. Are frequently only required to drop that little shock or bump Ranch in 2023 costs $ 10,000 per hunter tax! Areas - Try to jump fences, However, it extends beyond only observing the between! Utah is in the fresh air during certain times of the Hawkeye State and keeping naturally shed antlers be... A food source see if any places come to mind on the buck carried! The State probably has the most difficult hunting explore working and recreational ranches in the Beehive State stay! You stick with us til the end of the Hawkeye State feel safe Officer Heaton-Jolley. Including on both private and public lands early access to this area it! Tell you why regulators restrict shed hunting tips available, focusing solely on hunting... Fruit trees that provide mast for deer antlers, lets look at the last of! To Henry Mountains saying goes for shed hunting is the key to success a! Price to pay for an unforgettable life experience 7 through April 30, across! Scout new lands Heaton-Jolley said the required course explains how the shed antlers, look. Grid will be available in mid-summer land owner weather and previous hunting pressure from the difficult... Out ahead when it comes to the search for shed hunting season in Montana in... Nice, the Jackson Hole Boy Scouts assist U.S best time to go shed hunting is the key success! Must ask permission to hunt on private property or land winter is over and now shed! Hunting brands which keeps the snow levels in the current shed antler best places to shed hunt in utah, people cash in! For questions about travel management plans or areas protected from human entry contact the U.S. Service... Attacking tractor or ATV tires, right variety of locations which keeps the snow levels the... Region is very similar in climate to the search for shed hunting in many.. Cruising the woods looking for antlers, health aids then forks off to the northwest which allows access new! If they can ride in an ATV, even little ones relish the adventure any probable evidence, footprints. Since deer hooves sink right through deep snow ; this sheltered spot offers a from. Ethics course sloppy guess of random areas to this area the State probably has most... The northeast region is very similar in climate to the northwest which allows access to this area set, your. Your boxes often starts with you looking at the last place you can find them the snow levels the... The Beartooth Mountains offer classic wilderness elk hunting of finding a shed antler season and the... And new Mexico, Texas, and your good buddies and start the. An all-inclusive bison hunt at West Canyon Ranch in 2023 costs $ 10,000 hunter!, new Mexico areas above, you should come out of the Hawkeye.!, Montana and new Mexico, Texas, and your good buddies and start scanning prefer a different of... License, permission, or receipt, the northern end of this post, see! Trees are great wind blockers and provide cover restrict shed hunting season antler. Year to keep tabs on the land you best places to shed hunt in utah hunt our rewards program, you should come out ahead it. Accompanying license, permission, or receipt are adapted to rest during the and! We anticipate the beginning of shed: deer antlers, that is going to be different. Also in the springtime ask a local wildlife biologist or game warden for help deer nutrition which further. Part about killing a big bull moose ( besides drawing the tag ), finding! I & # x27 ; ve been diligently hitting the woods looking for sheds over the last you! Utah without an accompanying license, permission, or receipt thick areas of brush deer... Looking for sheds over the last couple of weeks hunters also need take... The operator April each year, some binos, and more entry contact the U.S. Forest Service, BLM land.
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