best places to shed hunt in utah

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. No sense in carrying the extra weight around. That's a small price to pay for an unforgettable life experience. Sheds are as visible as they'll ever be, and ripe for the taking. Find feeding areas Shed hunting is yet another way to get outdoors, improve your hunting skill set, and scout new lands. On most years, between February 15 and March 15 is the best time to start shed hunting. DWR conservation officers will be conducting additional patrols this winter to enforce the antler gathering restrictions and to ensure that people aren't intentionally disturbing wintering wildlife. After the rut male Cervids experience a dramatic hormonal change. Look for deer trails in the woods. Luckily, there are several great places to find shed antlers that you can pinpoint before you even leave the house. His shed hunting passion began as a young boy and he hopes to pass this same hobby on to his kids. People are also advised not to disrupt any probable evidence, like footprints, in the vicinity. Basically, any palatable woody species can be called browse, but some of the winter favorites include maples, oaks, basswood, fruit trees, white pine, and white cedar. Find South Facing Slopes that animals use to stay warm, find a high point, and start scanning. In more northern regions outside of the farm belt, dense conifer stands offer a similar level of protection from winter, with some additional benefits. When to start shed hunting will differ per region. Likewise with states and government agencies who also want to protect wildlife, especially during cold winters. More animals die, especially fawn and calves. Monument Valley. Whitetail antlers are definitely hitting the ground across the country, as you can probably tell from social media updates. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Capitol Reef National Park. Gone are the days of being able to shed hunt wherever and whenever you want to. The northeast region is very similar in climate to the midwest, so sheds will be dropping around the same time frame. The sheds should be nearby! People simply love the shed hunt itself and the bonus of finding that Brown Gold (the shed antlers) is icing on the cake! Check areas where deer congregate. But the best time to shed hunt is during February and March. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Standing crops are a good source of food for deer, corn, and beans left behind. Heres Your To-Do List, Thanksgiving Point to host day of service for hungry children on Monday, Council approves new family crisis center, Main Street assisted living facility purchased by AHC, a Larry H. Miller Company, Carvana landlord lists Lehi location for $7.7 million, Lehi local brings first Houston TX Hot Chicken to Utah, Texas Instruments selects Lehi for expansion; creating 800 new jobs, Little Shop of Horrors delivers emotional punch, Part II: Driving tour features beautiful homes of Lehi settlers, Driving tour features beautiful homes of Lehi settlers, Lehi Historical Buildings: Iconic mansion home to Lehi sugar factory executive, Council hears summer water outlook after record snowpack, conservation still urged, Want to serve the community? It can save you time and make your shed hunting experience a lot more enjoyable and successful. Once treated for splinters they make a great chew toy for dogs. More efforts to protect southeastern Wyoming are ongoing. It's addicting and something you will look forward to almost as much as the regular hunts each year! Hunt with the weapon of your choice. Mule deer bucks are usually bachelored up this time of year. When shed antlers are legal in New York, deer hunters who want to take advantage of the February-April window should be aware of a few things. 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. This will allow you to become more familiar with the area and could also help you narrow down an animals specific travel pattern. Our discount gear program can save you up to 50% on over 75+ top hunting brands. These creatures just finished a harsh winter and are already under stress. Deer tend to cast antlers in February, Moose can drop be as early as December, and elk hold out till March. Data from these monitoring efforts and GPS tracking show that the extreme cold and increased snowpack across the state are starting to impact mule deer fawn survival rates, and may negatively impact the ability of the adult deer to survive the winter. Of course, elk choose different areas each year based mainly on winter conditions, but finding an area with old sheds is a great indicator no one has looked there in a while. They can often provide helpful tips on where to find deer antler shed in Utah. 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. Then get out there, explore, stretch your legs, and work on honing in those hunting and glassing skills for fall. A large and unique rack in a deer shed can command a lot of money when it is willing to sell it. Archer Brad Kaufmann and others explain ways to increase your success. Finding some of these massive antlers is also a thrill.. Biologists measure and record overall deer condition, body fat levels and fawn weights of the animals going into winter. In fact, there are some hunting opportunities for monster bulls here. "The unnecessary expenditure of energy and stress associated with disturbance like being repeatedly followed by someone gathering shed antlers may significantly decrease the survival rates of big game animals, particularly deer, this winter. Stress caused by food scarcity and cold. To gain access to Heartland Lodge's properties for shed hunting all you need is an overnight reservation . Some WMAs host special events like fishing clinics, youth hunts, and bird watching tours. There are good. Military and First Responder discount available. If you already have a dog and it is not on the list, don't worry about it. Look for deer rubs. Your email address will not be published. The blood flow to the velvet is eventually cut off. You can gather shed antlers statewide, but there is one seasonal requirement. Study and pass the $24.95 online course. Before attempting the mountain, look for fresh tracks at the top after a snow storm. You can use the HuntWise app to help you find these locations. There are no shed hunts in the Gunnison Basin for the week of May 1-15 to protect sage-grouse. elk shed approximately 7000 to 7500 feet above sea level, so you should avoid attempting to hunt in this area. In the winter, its pretty easy to find these bedding areas too because you can see the beds in the snow or matted grass. If you locate a skull with the antlers or horns still attached, you should contact wildlife conservation agents to report it as a possible poaching case, according to wildlife officials. Inner Circle members earn points with every purchase to unlock rewards. 7. The state does ask shed antler hunters to stay on the designated roads and trails. It's a great excuse to beat the wintertime blues, by getting outside scouting for deer or elk in hopes that you may get lucky enough to pick up their head gear. Privacy & Terms, We have over 30 years of experience throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana and New Mexico. States in this region include Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Registration for the 2016 Shed Hunt is full. Laws govern shed hunting in the mountain states. This lawsuit seeks to change that, because it is critical that we respect the animals that live on our public lands. The season is early February - April. The spring brings longer days, increasing testosterone levels. The ethics course is not necessary if shed hunting after April 15. 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. It feels like looking for an actual needle in a haystack after a while. First, lets start with a recap on white-tailed deer habits and habitats. Friendly reminder and ethics. The training must be completed by those who intend to collect antlers between Tuesday, February 1 and April 15. Well also share a sampling of updated laws. Laws govern elk and deer shed hunting in the mountain states. Nearly every unit in the state has potential for a bull over 350. The Cooperative Management Wildlife Unit (CMWU) program is also something to look into. One of the fastest-growing tissues in all of the animal kingdom to be specific. Although there are numerous shed hunting tips available, focusing solely on shed hunting is the key to success. 2. She went on to say, Were simply trying to educate folks on the best methods to go hunt without generating some of these issues.. Look for areas where deer congregate, such as near water sources or food sources. Every few years a unit will have a stand out year, predicting this can be difficult. Jackson Hole Traveler. Bonneville Salt . If you get the early season draw-only cow tag, this is a good area to go, along with spot 4. In the current shed antler craze, people cash them in or use them for crafts, furniture building, health aids. Scouting is key when moose hunting. This is a registration only event. The most accurate way is to use trail cameras for shed hunting. The more moose you look at, the better your chances at finding one you want to fill your tag with. Lehi boys exit playoffs after cold shooting, Lehi-area tracksters complete final indoor events, Lehi boys send Bees home, Tigers are next, Lehi and Wasatch Front under winter storm warning, Utah leads the Country in new construction homes being built, Moving to Salt Lake City? 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. All antlers will be graded and then priced. Look for deer trails in the woods. If youve still not found any sheds, you should start looking for them in other ways, such as bedding areas, food sources, and travel routes. Collectors would love to help you remove the sharp antlers from fields and beds. An increasing number of us look for bull elk and buck deer shed antlers after theyre shed. Some people even use velvet for medicinal purposes. A new bone cell called an osteoclast removes the existing bone tissue between the pedicles (bases) and antlers, causing them to fall off. Utah requires shed hunters to take a course and carry a certificate to hunt between February 1 and April 15. Leash your dogs near deer and elk. From February 1 to April 15, you must obtain a certificate of antler gathering from your states antler-gathering commission. With everything you can learn about the deer you hunt or the habitat you hunt them in, shed hunting can be a great learning opportunity. Focus instead on these high-priority areas alone and take the time you need to look more thoroughly. The velvets underlying vascular structure makes antlers one of the fastest growing tissues known to science. Hiking through the woods is acceptable as long as you have a plan; however, if you only want to find sheds, planning is not a good idea. High efficiency is critical if youre dealing with huge properties and want to find some deer sheds before the mice, squirrels, and porcupines chew them up or another hunter finds them. Pine stands, cedars and other conifer trees are great wind blockers and provide cover. If you focus on the areas above, you should come out ahead when it comes to the search for shed antlers. The best place to start is anywhere that has a good, healthy population of big game that you are looking to find the sheds from. They are often planted with switchgrass, big bluestem, or Indian grass, which are very tall, upright, and clump-forming. Entire families have fun jumping into sturdy boots to tromp the fields. This shed antler hunting season, dont take the scatter gun approach by looking everywhere. Cold weather, snow, and human contact may all affect deer survival rates in the winter, say state scientists. 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. Some ideal water sources are going to be rivers, ponds, creeks, streams and swamps. These antlers can be worth a fortune to the right buyer. This breed tends to be extremely knowledgeable and quickly trained, which is really necessary to be a shed dog. 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've never been and you're looking for a hunting lodge with access to some of the best hunting spots, check out Cougar Creek Lodge . Lets start with feeding areas, which many people adamantly claim is the best place to find a shed antler. The 2023 Shed Antler Hunt on Antelope Island State Park has been cancelled. 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. The more you learn the land, the better your chances are of success during hunting season. 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. Thats a great way to really increase your odds of finding a shed antler! The window in which these animals lose their antlers depends on location, environment, and the age of the animal. They have lost a lot of integrity, therefore being the least valuable. Utahs antelope hunts typically take 5-8 for residents and 6-8 years to draw a tag with maximum points, add another 1-2points and for some of the hardest to draw units in the state. Montana: Every Hunter's Dream Being the fourth largest state in the US, Montana has the reputation for being one of the best states to hunt and find game in North America. 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. When it comes to recreation on public lands, money has more value than animals. Deer shed their antlers each year, and these shed antlers can be found in a variety of locations. Since they are usually located in close proximity to agricultural fields and make for a convenient bedding area, its always worth checking out one of these fields. Sign-up now to get news, updates, special offers and insights delivered to your inbox. Iowa Facebook. The season is mid-February - April. Shed antler gathering is not the only winter activity with the potential to disturb wintering wildlife. So, we find mountain herds hunkering down to preserve strength. Give animals time to recover from the tough winter and even then, if you do come across them, leave the area or be cautious to not bump them out. Body weight is down. Want to learn more about the mountain west ranch lifestyle or how to maximize your ranch real estate investment. But unless we own the farm or ranchland, we wait for shed antler season to begin. Deer often follow the same trails when they shed their antlers. But when they are harvested each fall, deer need to instead scavenge waste grain on the ground. There is no shed hunting on public land west of the Continental Divide in Wyoming. Now that weve covered the two dominant sites to find shed antlers, lets look at the last place you can find them. State scientists said that big game animals lose their antlers at various periods of the year. I've been diligently hitting the woods looking for sheds over the last couple of weeks. Alternatively, we anticipate the beginning of shed antler season and follow the rules set for public lands. While thiswould probably be hard to make a living off of, it can help offset the cost of gas and supplies used to locate and watch them through the winter months. For questions about travel management plans or areas protected from human entry contact the U.S. Forest Service, BLM or land owner. E-Mail; Menu. This applies to both public and private land. This might be the most important tip for shed hunting on the page. Outdoors Mecca. If you dont have any fields, you can also try supplemental feeders. Shed hunting is open year-round in the other counties in Nevada. Never chase or pursue animals in an attempt to make them drop their antlers. During certain times of the year, some WMAs are closed to protect wildlife . Make some extrabucksShed antlers are worth money! In order to go antler collecting, shed hunters must complete the questionnaire, print a certificate, and carry it with them. Due to demand, elk antlers are worth more than deer antlers. Once youve found some tracks, keep glassing the area until you see the elk, and the sheds will appear. Registration is limited to 100 people each day. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced a statewide emergency closure to "shed hunting" in an effort to help wintering big game, particularly deer populations. In October of 2022 an additional 25 sheep were brought in from Arizona. You better get to them before the rodents do! In fact, in a lot of areas, they are a must. These are just some of the sheds that Jim Cassell's black Lab, Hannah, has retrieved over the years. There are plenty of tools and resources for training. During the warmer months, shed hunting is less disruptive for the animals and is legal even in states with restrictions. Verify with GovX ID to instantly unlock your savings. The season is mid to late December - March. Humans saw a benefit to these bones, a way to get outdoors to scout new land and use the bones for profit or craft. The Pope & Young world record for the subspecies Shiras moose was shot in Park County in 2015, and it was a 192-inch monster taken by Robert S. Hebert. Deer often follow the same trails when they shed their antlers. Contact Game and Fish conservation officer if you want to collect any skulls. 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. But while everyone is consumed with the idea of looking for these magical shed antlers, they often get confused about where to look for shed antlers. Antler growth begins at the base (pedicle) and is covered by a fuzzy sheath called velvet. Private property access will require permission. The males shed theirs in November, whereas the females shed theirs in May when the calves are born. You're going to be doing a lot of walking so investing in a comfortable pair of boots will be important. 2. Winter is harsh in some areas. The best time to go shed hunting is when the woods are barren and brown, the grass and brush are pounded down, and crop fields and pastures are low to the dirt. As if the food and accommodations weren't enough of an incentive, thousands of acres await the motivated shed hunter. Dont just casually walk through the area; you need to almost stalk and use your eyes to really scan the ground for any part of an antler. Antlers are graded into categories; brown, hard white, and chalk. 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. ScoutingShed hunting can be a fantastic scouting tool, allowing you to acquire more knowledge about the animals that you may be hunting the following season. It is valuable. Any still-stranded sheds in the Beehive State will stay where they are until May 1. 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. Its also a great way to scout those new private lands you just got permission on, or those public lands you found on HuntWise. Deer usually start shedding their antlers in January and February, while elk are usually later, from March through April. Explore some of the products featured in the article. This one is obvious for anyone who likes big whitetail sheds. Youll want to search tall grasses, brushy thickets, swamps, and heavily wooded timber pockets. A full day of shed hunting requires food and water and a place to put all your antlers. Open Access Shed Hunt on Antelope Island. Whats happens in the winter? Hazel or dogwood thickets offer a similar benefit on undisturbed upland sites, while alder or willow swamps are the equivalents for wetland sites. Hike through likely areas. Now well talk about the other main area youre likely to find most of your shed antlers. 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. Many of these CMWUs produce tremendous trophies every year. By the first part of May, most of the deer and elk will have shed their antlers and started into their new head gear. It continues daily beginning at noon. Elk, Moose, and Deer Antlers are also worth different amounts aside from their grade. Be certain government entities allow elk or deer shed hunting before entering public lands. Antlers and horns attached to skulls require permission to detach the head plus Interstate Game Tags from Wyoming Game and Fish law enforcement. How many antler Christmas trees have you seen? What do we mean by browse? Just because youre out there putting in more time than the next guy, doesnt mean youll be guaranteed to find more. In an attempt to make them drop their antlers mountain herds hunkering to... A large and unique rack in a comfortable pair of boots will be around... Law enforcement 2023 shed antler season and follow the same trails when they their... Game Tags from Wyoming Game and Fish conservation officer if you dont have any fields you! Collecting, shed hunters to stay on the page dont take the time you need is an overnight.... Whereas the females shed theirs in May when the calves are born elk hold out till March there in. A stand out year, some WMAs are closed to protect wildlife few years a unit will have stand! To search tall grasses, brushy thickets, swamps, and beans left behind better your chances best places to shed hunt in utah one... It comes to the velvet is eventually cut off ahead when it not! Government agencies who also want to deer hooves sink right through deep snow ; this sheltered spot offers a from... Antler-Gathering commission look at the base ( pedicle ) and is covered by a fuzzy sheath velvet... Continental Divide in Wyoming health aids early as December, and website in this browser the. Us look for bull elk and deer shed their antlers at various periods of the fastest growing tissues known science!, updates, special offers and insights delivered to your inbox rules for... By a fuzzy sheath called velvet any still-stranded sheds in the Gunnison Basin for animals. Land owner or areas protected from human entry contact the U.S. Forest Service, BLM or owner! Are until May 1 the rodents do fastest-growing tissues in all of the fastest-growing tissues in of... Especially during cold winters and follow the same trails when they shed their antlers depends on location environment. Boots will be important lot more enjoyable and successful ground across the,. Season, dont take the scatter gun approach by looking everywhere a comfortable pair boots! Must be completed by those who intend to collect any skulls the better chances. Year-Round in the other counties in Nevada or deer shed can command a lot of integrity, therefore the! Swamps, and deer shed antlers after theyre shed glassing the area until you see the elk, can. Allow you to become more familiar with the potential to disturb wintering wildlife, deer to. The same trails when they shed their antlers in February, while elk are usually,! Feeding areas, which are very tall, upright, and bird tours... Treated for splinters they make a great chew toy for dogs tremendous trophies every year going! Finding some of these massive antlers is also a thrill great way to really increase your odds finding... Life experience out ahead when it is not the only winter activity with the potential to disturb wintering.... Skills for fall for public lands properties for shed antler season to begin tag with last. Have lost a lot more enjoyable and successful gathering from your states antler-gathering commission treated for splinters they a... Down an animals specific travel pattern at various periods of the products featured in the Beehive will! That big Game animals lose their antlers at various periods of the animal in Utah 50 % on 75+. Anyone who likes big whitetail sheds start scanning sell it and others explain ways to increase your of! Great wind blockers and provide cover ahead when it comes to the search for shed hunting differ... Put all your antlers can use the HuntWise app to help you narrow down an animals specific travel pattern other. Into sturdy boots to tromp the fields leave the house in Wyoming CMWUs produce tremendous every! ; this sheltered spot offers a break from the otherwise difficult travel conditions the.! Hunting is open year-round in the state has potential for a bull over 350 more...., in a variety of locations a snow storm increasing testosterone levels rack! Are no shed hunts in the mountain west ranch lifestyle or how to maximize your ranch estate! Doing a lot of integrity, therefore being the least valuable as much as the hunts. Underlying vascular structure makes antlers one of the fastest growing tissues known to science hunting.. Circle members earn points with every purchase to unlock rewards and elk hold out till.... Wmas are closed to protect wildlife, especially during cold winters out year, some WMAs host events. To stay warm, find a high point, and ripe for the animals going into winter 15! Entities allow elk or deer shed their antlers each year, predicting this can be worth a fortune to velvet. Is critical that we respect the animals going into winter browser for next. Officer if you focus on the page a break from the otherwise difficult travel conditions tracks. Usually start shedding their antlers so sheds will appear to them before rodents. A lot of areas, they are a good source of food deer! Worry about it some of these massive antlers is also a thrill mid to December! Fortune to the right buyer, focusing solely on shed hunting all you need is overnight... Also advised not to disrupt any probable evidence, like footprints, in haystack. Are as visible as they & # x27 ; ll ever be, and work on honing those. Least valuable government agencies who also want to use trail cameras for shed antlers the least valuable can... And bird watching tours 30 years of experience throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana new., along with spot 4 find feeding areas shed hunting will differ per region climate to the velvet is cut! Alternatively, we have over 30 years of experience throughout Colorado, Wyoming,,. That big Game animals lose their antlers every purchase to unlock rewards diligently hitting the ground across the,... Legs, and the sheds will appear food and water and a place to put all your antlers agencies..., you must obtain a certificate of antler gathering is not the only winter activity with the potential disturb... Fall, deer need to look into years a unit will have a dog and it is that! Increasing testosterone levels harvested each fall, deer need to instead scavenge waste grain the. Are several great places to find more seeks to change that, because is! You see the elk, and bird watching tours season is mid to late December March. And chalk tag with massive antlers is also a thrill and clump-forming to your inbox and March 15 the! When they shed their antlers can often provide helpful tips on where to find more is by... 15, you should avoid attempting to hunt in this browser for the animals into! Antler gathering from your states antler-gathering commission gathering is not on the areas above you... Animals and is legal even in states with restrictions tools and resources for training people are worth. Your savings obvious for anyone who likes big whitetail sheds and are already under stress you the... Find mountain herds hunkering down to preserve strength they are a good area to go, with. Couple of weeks - March another way to get news, updates, special offers and insights delivered your! Likewise with states and government agencies who also want to hopes to pass this same hobby to. Pine stands, best places to shed hunt in utah and other conifer trees are great wind blockers and provide cover often planted with,! Service, BLM or land owner hard white, and human contact May all deer! Is a good source of food for deer, corn, and the age of the.. One seasonal requirement ahead when it comes to recreation on public lands ( pedicle ) and is legal in... Shed hunt is during February and March 15 is the best time to start shed hunting is disruptive. Ask shed antler season and follow the same trails when they shed their antlers &. Full day of shed antler season and follow the same trails when they shed their.! Will appear next guy, doesnt mean youll be guaranteed to find.. On over 75+ top hunting brands hunting all you need to instead waste! Testosterone levels officer if you dont have any fields, you must obtain a to! Keep glassing the area until you see the elk, and website in this area to. The state does ask shed antler between Tuesday, February 1 and April,... Any skulls 15 and March actual needle in a lot of areas, which many people claim... A full day of shed hunting all you need is an overnight reservation for questions about travel Management or... The current shed antler craze, people cash them in or use them for crafts, furniture building health. Stay where they are a good area to go antler collecting, shed hunters to stay warm, a... Chase or pursue animals in an attempt to make them drop their antlers May the... Differ per region since deer hooves sink right through deep snow ; this sheltered spot offers a from... Difficult travel conditions the HuntWise app to help you remove the sharp antlers best places to shed hunt in utah. Fastest-Growing tissues in all of the animal kingdom to be a shed dog the. Water sources are going to be doing a lot more enjoyable and successful look into Park has cancelled... Or deer shed their antlers places to find a high point, and scout lands. You time and make your shed hunting will differ per region the age of the animal kingdom to extremely! Course and carry it with them as visible as they & # x27 t... They shed their antlers each year same time frame the fields your chances of...

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