For those conversant with all things hunting, including hunting types and wildlife as a whole, the term shed hunting should ring a bell. It is a hunting activity, unlike others that involve hunting without shedding blood, and a peculiar type that follows the natural lifecycle of the animals involved. So what is shed hunting? This shed hunting for beginners will tell you that and much more.
What is shed hunting?
Shed hunting is an eccentric hunting type that involves the pursuit or the hunting of naturally shed antlers by antler-bearing animals such as deer, moose, caribou, elk, etc. An individual who then embarks on this kind of hunting expedition is called a shed hunter.
Shed hunting is a sport and a hunting activity that has lasted for so long because the antler-bearing mammals shed their antlers every year. This allows for an endless or almost endless supply of sheds for those who hunt it.
Why do people shed hunt?
Shed hunting takes place because people make use of the antlers, which are unique and remarkably different from one another for a variety of reasons, some of which include:
- For economic purposes. Sheds or shed antlers are considered collector items highly sought after by collectors, artisans, and craftsmen.
- To acquire valuable pieces of information for health specialists, seasoned hunters, and scientists.
- For decoration, being beautifully unique artwork pieces of nature, they are great items to decorate the home.
Best time to hunt sheds
As shed hunting beginners, the first step to hunt sheds is knowing when to search for sheds. And considering that there is a large number of hunters in the game, see, how many hunters in the US, you need to know the best time to strike so you can get at least a shed for yourself.
The period right after the winter season is a perfect time. The early spring period when the snow begins to melt is a great time to go hunting as this allows the antler-bearing animals time to recover and to avoid disturbing them; you can get early access to newly shed antlers, and allows you some time to study the process of shedding.
Keep in mind that going earlier than that could affect the shedding cycle of the mammals by pushing them away from that region, thereby slowing down their shedding process.
How to shed hunt
The first and most important rule to shed hunt is to be patient. Rushing in at the wrong time could lead to many significant effects, one of which would be the decline in the number of sheds found.
Also, being patient will lead you to other necessary processes of careful observation of signs and pointers as to where to find the antler-bearing animals, the characteristic pointers of where to find the sheds, and much more.
FAQs
What is the best breed of dog for shed hunting?
For shed hunting, the best breed of dog to use includes labradors, golden retrievers, upland bird dogs, bloodhounds, german shorthair pointers, etc.
Where are the best places to look for shed antlers?
You can find shed antlers in feeding locations, bedding areas, and travel paths.
What kind of gear do you need for shed hunting?
You need footwear that is breathable, waterproof, and perfect for hiking, the best winter gloves you can get, a compass, blankets or overalls for extra protection, a good pair of binoculars, and map guidance in the unknown terrain. High-quality hunting pants will also ensure that you will feel comfortable enough to achieve shed hunting to a whole new level.
Final Thoughts
For those who still ask, what is shed hunting? The perfect answer would be an in-between season hunting activity that is quite inciteful, less stressful, and fun that involves all ages. As a yearly part of nature’s circle of life, shed hunting is a great activity you can engage in to be more attuned with nature and its beings.
