| Shed Tips from Mr. Mule Deer  Most of the time you will find both
sheds within about 300 yards. I have found that the bigger the bucks shed, the more often
you will find the other side close. Most bucks shed both antlers the same day. I have
watched bucks drop one side, and glassed him seven day’s later still packing the
second shed. If the bucks don’t get chased or spooked, the second shed will not be
far. It also depends upon bucks feeding and water patterns. The farther that buck travels
to and from feed and water, the farther apart the sheds can be.
The best place to find sheds is simple. You
have to watch the deer at shedding time. Just as your preseason scouting. If you know
where a buck is before opening morning, the better the chance you will get him. If you are
watching a buck at shedding time, the sheds will be much simpler to find. Bucks start
shedding in January in the northern states. The farther that you go South the later bucks
will begin shedding. In Old Mexico bucks don’t start shedding until March.
Quick Tips for Shed Hunting:
- Younger bucks and bulls usually will shed last.
- Antlers usually drop when the deer are moving. Look
around fence lines and gulches- jumping and bounding will jar the antlers loose.
- If you find a single side, start searching in a 100 yard
radius. This usually will give you enough area to find the other side.
- Keep a log of time and dates for specific deer. Deer
will usually drop about the same time each year.
- Sheds that you find will give you a good idea of what
caliber of bucks are in the area and what survived last falls hunts.
- Practice ethical shed collecting when out on the winter
range- do not push or put unnecessary pressure on the animals. This will lead to an
early death while the deer and elk are trying to survive the winter.
|
