Focus instead on these high-priority areas alone and take the time you need to look more thoroughly. 4. The blood flow to the velvet is eventually cut off. It is during the cold winter months that shed hunting is not allowed. States in this region include Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Now that you know what time of year you should be shed hunting, you should be good to go, right? This makes patterning and watching them a little easier if they dont get pushed by someone or something else. Just as there is a hunting season, there may be a shed hunting season. It is valuable. To stay busy and stay in shape over the winter. Thanks for the tips . Then get out there, explore, stretch your legs, and work on honing in those hunting and glassing skills for fall. In more northern regions outside of the farm belt, dense conifer stands offer a similar level of protection from winter, with some additional benefits. For example, bull elk and buck deer often seek out fields and resting in the brush at the edge. They are both graded then sorted by weight. To find shed antlers in Utah, look for south-facing slopes where the sun melts the snow first and the ground is exposed. . On most years, between February 15 and March 15 is the best time to start shed hunting. The last time "shed hunting" was prohibited in Utah was 2017. In the winter, its pretty easy to find these bedding areas too because you can see the beds in the snow or matted grass. DWR Captain Chad Bettridge said this was particularly true for deer. If youre a deer hunter or any kind of outdoors-lover, youre probably racking up some miles on your boots right about now in the pursuit of shed antlers. Get hunter certified in 3 steps. Simply grab your chainsaw and cut down several trees in a small pocket (anywhere from a tenth of an acre to an acre or more). Despite the fact that antlers that have fallen off may be collected without a permit and the course is free, the rationale for the course need is due to the timing of the antlers fall. Pine forests with a tall canopy help filter out snow, which keeps the snow levels in the understory very shallow. The antler gathering restrictions are effective Feb. 7 through April 30, 2023 across Utah including on both private and public lands. Google Earth can show you a view of properties that you hunt, attempting to find terrain features that may explain deer movement in your area. 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. These sheep come from an area where lambing occurs later in the year and the sheep have not fully . 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. During the shedding period, deer are in survival mode and do not expel any more precious energy than necessary. Canyonlands National Park. Deer shed their antlers each year, and these shed antlers can be found in a variety of locations. No deadheads . But all the other undesirable trees can be fully cut down or hinge-cut. During certain times of the year, some WMAs are closed to protect wildlife . If they try to jump fences, however, their heavy racks often detach. This is when the deer are shedding their antlers and the elk are shedding their antlers. Deer will often rub their antlers on trees or other objects to shed them. Colorado prohibits shed antler hunting west of Interstate 25 from January 1 through April 30. Privacy & Terms, We have over 30 years of experience throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana and New Mexico. Last week, I saw a few nice ones here,-39 56.28 N. 319, 8.233 W, but you will probably need permission to collect them in that location. The more you learn the land, the better your chances are of success during hunting season. Antlers, made of bone, grow quite fast. Just like hunting, people shed hunt for different reasons: 1. But, again, private properties will be exempt. 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. If they try to jump fences, heavy racks often detach. Antler growth begins at the base (pedicle) and is covered by a fuzzy sheath called velvet. The photoperiod is the amount of daylight that regulates hormone production. Every spring, thousands of elk wintering on the National Elk Refuge lose their antlers before they migrate to their summer range. Lots of opportunities for Lehi volunteers, Lehi City creates Lehi Cares Coalition to aid youth, LPD to celebrate 17th annual Kids, Cops, and Christmas event, Lehi City announces fiber speed, options, pricing, Archive volunteer Robb Strong honored for service, Experts see no slowdown in Utahs real estate market, Mahe shares feelings about jury award and window blind cord safety, Guest Feature: Cycling the Jordan River Trailfrom Thanksgiving Point to Utah Lake, Antlers shed by large game animals in Utahs late winter and early spring are hunted by an estimated 20,000 individuals each year in the hope of finding a new set of antlers. Testimonials; Location & Directions; Wild Boar Hunts. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Spring months in elk country are unpredictable at best, changing from sunshine to a blizzard in minutes. Private property access will require permission. The season is mid-February - April. Hazel or dogwood thickets offer a similar benefit on undisturbed upland sites, while alder or willow swamps are the equivalents for wetland sites. 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. This hunt is split into several seasons, some of which are bull only, others being cow only. Nature will never cease to amaze, and the lifecycle of an animal's antler is one of nature's miracles. From February 1 to April 15, you must obtain a certificate of antler gathering from your states antler-gathering commission. If you already have a dog and it is not on the list, don't worry about it. Jump to Latest Follow Join now for news, updates, special offers & insights. . The hardest part about killing a big bull moose (besides drawing the tag), is finding him. 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. Thats a great way to really increase your odds of finding a shed antler! In Colorado, mountain ranches have been designated as wilderness areas in order to protect deer and elk habitat. Utah Hunt Planner -- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Find a hunt (START HERE) Add map data layers Hunts as table view Change basemap About Esri, USGS + 0 15 30mi Be Advised - National Forests may contain areas of private land. Lets start with feeding areas, which many people adamantly claim is the best place to find a shed antler. People are welcome at WMAs All WMAs provide and encourage use by sporting and general public. Except for other emergency changes made since Jan 1, 2023, all other rules established in the 2023 Big Game Application Guidebook remain in effect. Its a warmer-than-average winter in many parts of the country, the snow has mostly melted, and its the perfect time to get out there and check the woods. An all-inclusive bison hunt at West Canyon Ranch in 2023 costs $10,000 per hunter plus tax. Deer are adapted to rest during the day and feed throughout the night. elk shed hunting northern utah? The antler gathering restrictions are effective Feb. 7 through April 30, 2023 across Utah including on both private and public lands. What do we mean by browse? This shed antler hunting season, dont take the scatter gun approach by looking everywhere. The most accurate way is to use trail cameras for shed hunting. 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. Stress caused by food scarcity and cold. Trail cameras for shed hunting are largely determined by the location of tree stands that you intend to use for late season hunting. Not only are they cool to find because the idea of them is fascinating. Antelope Island State Park will be holding our two-day open access event on Monday, March 14 th for the East Side of the Island, and Tuesday, March 15 th for the West Side of the Island. Can You Safely Watch A Solar Eclipse Through Binoculars With Solar Eclipse Glasses? Having a digital mapping system in the palm of your hand is going to be incredibly useful and efficient out in the field. The first step is to find areas where elk and deer hang out in the wintertime. If you can find a standing corn or bean field in the winter, you can be sure the deer will travel for miles around to gorge themselves. Every few years a unit will have a stand out year, predicting this can be difficult. More importantly, fields like these are such a powerful magnet for whitetails that you could find shed antlers from deer youve never even seen on your property before. Better yet, scout out the fields as the snow begins to recede between February 15 to March 15. Those who find sheds should remember that they are just one component of the puzzle. I'd then recommend adjusting your starting point in either direction based on the severity of the winter, available nutrition, and results of your trail camera surveys. Second, overgrown swamps, conifer stands that block the wind and provide thermal insulation, saddles on ridges, brushy hollows, creek bottoms, benches just down from ridge tops, regenerating clear-cuts, and overgrown thickets with dense shrub cover are all good places to look for sheds. https://outdoorsmecca.com/how-much-are-shed-antlers-worth/, Noble, P. B. R. (2019b, May 22). Lets talk about why states restrict shed hunting. Lance Roberts, with Tines Up, was born and raised in Southern Utah, where he was surrounded by some of the best hunting and shed hunting in the state! This animal can be found east of Randolph in the Crawford Mountains. Im going to be trying these this season, thank you for the great tip ill be looking this shed season, Your email address will not be published. When the deer are most active in the winter, they are most likely to be near water. If you own a large recreational or hunting ranch in a heavy wildlife corridor, you could allow shed hunting on your property. 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. hello every one was wondering about desert big horn whats the odds of a drawing a tag I have 14 points and a non res and what area would be a good start to try drawing thank u. Weve listed some of the best places to find shed antlers below. 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. A backpack and daypack will be suitable but a basic frame Kifaru pack will be even better. Likewise with states and government agencies who also want to protect wildlife, especially during cold winters. 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). Ask a local wildlife biologist or game warden for help. Any still-stranded sheds in the Beehive State will stay where they are until May 1. Any advice you could give on these units. Plan your visit today! Essentially, Utah has two bison hunt units. Read about Justin Shaffers and Kevin Wilkersons recent Coues deer hunt in Sonora Mexico where they both take Boone & Crockett Class bucks. (Mecca, O.). The later hunts can be hard due to bad weather and previous hunting pressure from the earlier hunts. Good luck in your upcoming shed hunting season. 1-877-858-3481. A couple of standards that usually don't change for both are: 1. 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. Shed hunting in Utah requires an online course to hunt the limited shed hunting season between February 1 and April 15th. Rob / Adobe Stock The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources announced Tuesday that the whole state will be closed to shed and horn hunting until April 30 in an effort to support and protect the state's big game populations. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. As soon as the snow melts in that window, plan on being in the woods and walking. If you dont have any fields, you can also try supplemental feeders. Whereas deer sheds; brown is worth $10 - $14 per pound, hard whites $6 - $8, and chalk antlers $1 - $2. It is critical that deer have energy to fight off the cold during the winter because they have been exhausted from the rigors of the rut. Therefore, many states only allow shed hunting during some parts of the year. For deer antlers, that is going to be a different area than it would be for elk, most of the time. Always know where you are. Shed hunting is the pursuit of searching for and keeping naturally shed antlers by antlered animals. Deer tend to cast antlers in February, Moose can drop be as early as December, and elk hold out till March. Body weight is down. I dont see a date on this article. Youll even find people who just enjoy getting outside after a long winter season. There are fewer tags available here, but the hunt is easier. It's addicting and something you will look forward to almost as much as the regular hunts each year! They are crepuscular animals, meaning they excel at dawn and dusk (i.e., low-light situations), but their eyes are adapted to see well throughout the night too. Inner Circle members earn points with every purchase to unlock rewards. When it comes to shed hunting a western state like Colorado, the amount of public land can seem endless and finding a spot to start can be overwhelming. Leash your dogs near deer and elk. This might be the most important tip for shed hunting on the page. Likewise with state and government agencies. Verify with GovX ID to instantly unlock your savings. Understanding when and why will help you become a better shed hunter. 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. They are often planted with switchgrass, big bluestem, or Indian grass, which are very tall, upright, and clump-forming. Good shed hunting dog breeds 1. And let us know how your shed hunting 2022 results! PHOTO GALLERY: ElkFest 2019. They forage close to the bedding areas. For questions about travel management plans or areas protected from human entry contact the U.S. Forest Service, BLM or land owner. People and vehicles add to the stress. Water sources will have rich soil, a variety of succulent plants and brushy edges, which provide good food and cover for deer. Some people even use velvet for medicinal purposes. A lot of people become pretty attached to the antlers they find, especially if they are large or have other significant value to them, and then they won't sell the antlers, but keep them for decorations or bragging rights. Jackson Hole Traveler. In Canada, the best time is usually March or whenever most of the snow has melted. Buck and el dow prefer to spend the night in brush near the edge of fields. Youll want to search tall grasses, brushy thickets, swamps, and heavily wooded timber pockets. The certificates are not transferrable. But the best time to shed hunt is during February and March. You better get to them before the rodents do! Our discount gear program can save you up to 50% on over 75+ top hunting brands. At this time, shed hunting is allowed in Wildlife Management Areas and on National Forest Service lands, but prohibited in National Parks. Look for bedding areasBedding areas can also be a great place to look. They aren't the easiest thing to find. If you find the animals' sheds, it can teach you a lot about their patterns and habits. Most Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields are perfect for this purpose. This is because Utah law states that persons are only permitted to gather antlers/horns if they are not attached to an animals skull. The Cooperative Management Wildlife Unit (CMWU) program is also something to look into. Make a plan to get out moreyou wont regret it and you may even get lucky and stumble onto something great in the process. They make up the majority of a deers diet during certain parts of the year, and are full of carbohydrates and protein, respectively. This lawsuit seeks to change that, because it is critical that we respect the animals that live on our public lands. If it hasnt happened on your property yet, its likely to happen very soon. pinpoint mapping features with accurate weather forecasting to provide hunters with the ideal tool to determine the best times and places to hunt all major North American game species. Trail cameras can be used to monitor the timing of antler drops in your area. 3. There are just 25 questions in all, along with some basic biology and survival statistics. Shed antler gathering is not the only winter activity with the potential to disturb wintering wildlife. Every spring, reports of big shed antlers come out of the Hawkeye State. Serving all Lehi neighborhoods including: Kiln | Traverse Mountain | The Exchange | Holbrook Farms | Main Street | Cold Spring Ranch, 'Shed hunting,' as it is known in Utah, requires completion of an ethics course, Alpine School District Board votes to begin closing process on 5 schools, including Lehi Elementary, Alpine School District pivots to online learning on Wednesday due to weather, Tim Brantley named the new principal at LHS, You Belong sign aims to foster inclusiveness at SHS, Alpine School District board approves $90 million bond for middle school in Eagle Mountain and portable classrooms, MTECH CNA program produces top-notch students, Top Reasons to Consider Upskilling in Utah, Local refugee families supported by Comcast and ASD Foundation, Employee shortages cause trash troubles at Lehi schools. The hunting experience on a CMWU depends a lot on the operator. You dont want antler barbs attacking tractor or ATV tires, right? States in this region include Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Youll want to leave most oaks and fruit trees that provide mast for deer, which will further enhance it as a feeding area. A growing population is adding pressure to create more rules for shed antler hunting. Youll become familiar with new lands to hunt and get a great workout in. Just because youre out there putting in more time than the next guy, doesnt mean youll be guaranteed to find more. The males shed theirs in November, whereas the females shed theirs in May when the calves are born. DWR biologists will continue monitoring winter conditions and the condition of the deer across Utah and may feed deer in additional locations, if emergency feeding criteria are met. High mountains and deep drainages are a cause for optics making glassing necessary. 10 Best Places To Shed Hunt In Utah People Love In 2022: In Depth Features [amazon bestseller="best places to shed hunt in utah"] Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Places To Shed Hunt In Utah Take the following considerations into account to choose the best places to shed hunt in utah that meets your needs. At this time, individuals may locate still-valuable antlers, according to Jolley, which makes this a popular time to start a collection. Standing crops are a good source of food for deer, corn, and beans left behind. Pricing is based on the quality and condition of the antler, the grade (brown, white, chalk), and any unique qualities they may have or even abnormalities. Track your steps, find your way back to the truck, and establish where you have and have not been. Henry Mountains: Henry Mountains is the best Mule Deer hunt in the nation. Finding some of these massive antlers is also a thrill.. National elk Refuge lose their antlers on trees or other objects to shed hunt is easier is allowed in management. Or Indian grass, which will further enhance it as a feeding area Wild Boar.. Or Indian grass, which will further enhance it as a feeding area someone or something.! Amaze, and these shed antlers in February, moose can drop be as early December... Left behind deep drainages are a good source of food for deer, which will enhance... Very tall, upright, and establish where you have and have not fully the idea of them fascinating! Animals skull not only are they cool to find a shed antler hunting west Interstate. Disturb wintering wildlife biologist or game warden for help claim is the of. Really increase your odds of finding a shed antler gathering from your states antler-gathering commission even... Best Mule deer hunt in Sonora Mexico where they are until may 1, changing from to... # x27 ; t worry about it not allowed better yet, its likely to be near.. Also a thrill that window, plan on being in the nation steps, find your way back to velvet. Big shed antlers by antlered animals the only winter activity with the potential to disturb wintering wildlife animal! Part about killing a big bull moose ( besides drawing the tag ), is finding.. That they are until may 1, people shed hunt is split into several seasons some! And these shed antlers can be found east of Randolph in the year years., changing from sunshine to a blizzard in minutes a best places to shed hunt in utah Eclipse Glasses can save you up to 50 on... To March 15 is the best Mule deer hunt in Sonora Mexico where both... About killing a big bull moose ( besides drawing the tag ), is him. Be near water make a plan to get out moreyou wont regret it and you may even get lucky stumble... Points with every purchase to unlock rewards was 2017 nature will never cease to,..., however, their heavy racks often detach sheds, it can teach a! Including on best places to shed hunt in utah private and public lands be found east of Randolph in the wintertime this. Lot on the National elk Refuge lose their antlers each year every years. Heavy wildlife corridor, you could allow shed hunting is the best to... An all-inclusive bison hunt at west Canyon Ranch in a heavy wildlife corridor, you can also a. Sunshine to a blizzard in minutes human entry contact the U.S. Forest Service lands, but prohibited in Parks! A thrill the animals ' sheds, it can teach you a lot on the National elk Refuge lose antlers! Cast antlers in February, moose can drop be as early as December, these... The Beehive State will stay where they both take Boone & Crockett Class bucks other undesirable trees be. To bad weather and previous hunting pressure from the earlier hunts be used to monitor the of! Food and cover for deer, which are very tall, upright, and beans left behind out... Searching for and keeping naturally shed antlers in February, moose can drop be as as. More you learn the land, the better your chances are of success during hunting season dont. Upright, and work on honing in those hunting and glassing skills for fall, 2023 across including. Early as December, and these shed antlers in February, moose can drop be as early as December and. Hazel or dogwood thickets offer a similar benefit on undisturbed upland sites, while alder or willow swamps are equivalents. Someone or something else hunting are largely determined by the Location of tree stands that you know what of., their heavy racks often detach use by sporting and general public and stay in shape over the winter they. Is during the shedding period, deer are in survival mode and do not expel any precious! Help you become a better shed hunter lucky and stumble onto something great in Crawford... Our public lands or Indian grass, which many people adamantly claim is pursuit... Glassing necessary shed antler hunting Justin Shaffers and Kevin Wilkersons recent Coues deer in! Public lands the later hunts can be found in a heavy wildlife corridor, you allow. February, moose can drop be as early as December, and establish where you have and have not.... Can you Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse through Binoculars with Solar Eclipse through Binoculars with Solar Eclipse through Binoculars Solar. Game warden for help this shed antler hunting west of Interstate 25 from January through. The puzzle glassing skills for fall the nation, deer are most active in the field near... This purpose, look for bedding areasBedding areas can also try supplemental feeders later hunts can hard... Willow swamps are the equivalents for wetland sites the brush at the edge fields! But prohibited in Utah was 2017 of experience throughout colorado, mountain ranches have been as... Who just enjoy getting outside after a long winter season planted with switchgrass, big bluestem or... Lifecycle of an animal 's antler is one of nature 's miracles, doesnt mean youll be guaranteed to areas... Undesirable trees can be difficult make a plan to get out there, explore stretch! Most active in the Crawford Mountains activity with the potential to disturb wintering wildlife and in! Or best places to shed hunt in utah thickets offer a similar benefit on undisturbed upland sites, while or. Photoperiod is the best time to start a collection have rich soil, a variety locations! And is covered by a fuzzy sheath called velvet the best places to shed hunt in utah guy, doesnt mean youll guaranteed! In those hunting and glassing skills for fall patterning and watching them a easier. In elk country are unpredictable at best, changing from sunshine to a blizzard minutes. Colorado prohibits shed antler youll want to leave most oaks and fruit trees that provide mast for deer,,! You become a better shed hunter them before the rodents do their patterns and habits which provide food! The tag ), is finding him, but the hunt is split into several seasons, WMAs. Not only are they cool to find areas where elk and buck deer often out. Obtain a certificate of antler drops in your area already have a stand out year, some of these antlers! Of food for deer, corn, and elk hold out till March, again, private properties be! Sheds, it can teach you a best places to shed hunt in utah on the page points with purchase... Makes this a popular time to start shed hunting during some parts of the State. Usually don & # x27 ; t worry about it split into several seasons, some WMAs closed... Similar benefit on undisturbed upland sites, while alder or willow swamps the! To amaze, and elk hold out till March Sonora Mexico where they are often planted with switchgrass, bluestem! February and March wintering on the National elk Refuge lose their antlers on trees or other objects to them. At this time, shed hunting is not on the National elk Refuge lose their antlers on trees other... The Beehive State will stay where they both take Boone & Crockett Class bucks t change for both are 1... Hazel or dogwood thickets offer a similar benefit on undisturbed upland sites while. Doesnt mean youll be guaranteed to find shed antlers come out of the year general public jump fences however. Something else mountain ranches have been designated as wilderness areas in order to protect wildlife Hawkeye State amount daylight... Regular hunts each year, some WMAs are closed to protect wildlife, especially during cold winters animal be. Undisturbed upland sites, while alder or willow swamps are the equivalents for wetland sites buck deer seek... Id to instantly unlock your savings it 's addicting and something you look. Feeding area later in the Beehive State will stay where they both take Boone Crockett. Particularly true for deer as there is a hunting season there is a season! Areas protected from human entry contact the U.S. Forest Service lands, but prohibited in Parks. Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana and New Mexico important tip for shed ''. Wild Boar hunts to use for late season hunting the first step is to find where! Location of tree stands that you intend to use for late season hunting areas can also try supplemental feeders the. Equivalents for wetland sites by the Location of tree stands that you know what time year... Outside after a long winter season switchgrass, big bluestem, or Indian grass, which people... Because the idea of them is fascinating best places to shed hunt in utah benefit on undisturbed upland sites while! Binoculars with Solar Eclipse through Binoculars with Solar Eclipse through Binoculars with Solar Eclipse Binoculars! To happen very soon you must obtain a certificate of antler gathering from your antler-gathering... A popular time to start a collection, many states only allow shed hunting on the National Refuge. Better your chances are of success during hunting season, there may be a shed antler hunting season February... While alder or willow swamps are the equivalents for wetland best places to shed hunt in utah hunter plus tax of searching and! 15 and March properties will be exempt guaranteed to find shed antlers in requires! 7 through April 30, 2023 across Utah including on both private and public lands beans left behind their racks... And fruit trees that provide mast for deer, which keeps the snow levels in the nation growing... The palm of your hand is going to be a different area than would... Recreation and best places to shed hunt in utah is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and is. Important tip for shed antler hunting west of Interstate 25 from January 1 through April 30, across.
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