Just 25 years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to go shed hunting—even on public land—and find old antlers. That’s because few people were looking for sheds, and not only could you cash in on this year’s crop of fresh sheds, but you might find antlers that had been lying there for years if the squirrels hadn’t eaten them entirely.
My, how times have changed!
As shed hunting has grown in popularity, thanks to promotion of the sport through magazines, books, TV and social media, competition for available antlers has increased, particularly on public lands. Nowadays, shed hunters are likely to find more boot prints and fewer antlers.
Competition is especially fierce in some well-known elk wintering areas in the western states. Some states—all in the west—now have shed hunting seasons, which open in late spring. The idea is to keep shed hunters out of the back country in late winter while elk, mule deer and other species are struggling to survive. While this law is well-intentioned, it can lead to a circus-like atmosphere on opening day in popular wintering areas. In some areas, hundreds of vehicles line up and, when season opens, people rush into the back country on foot, ATV and horseback like adults on an Easter egg hunt. Wyoming now gives residents a one-week head start over non-residents on public lands subjected to shed seasons while in Utah, shed hunters now must now take a shed hunting ethics course and carry a free permit while shed hunting.
Competition and greed over antlers has even triggered spurious behavior, including trespassing on private lands and stockpiling antlers during the closed season, then retrieving them once the season opens.
It’s hard to fault people for getting afield in late winter and spring, when most hunting seasons are closed. But dealing with competition from other shed hunters can be frustrating. In areas where bucks and bulls are highly visible, such as urban parks, shed hunters have to ply their trade on almost a daily basis to be the first person down the trail the day the animal sheds, especially if the animal carries exceptional antlers. For example, in 2011, more than 20 shed hunters were watching a well-known Colorado Springs mule deer buck nicknamed Goliath. The day after the buck dropped his antlers, they were picked up. The larger side still ranks as the No. 1 nontypical mule deer shed in the North American Shed Hunters Club record book, and the set ranksfourth overall. There is also fierce competition for large moose antlers within the city of Anchorage, where bulls are quite visible to the public.
Even in more rural settings, it can be frustrating to show up at your favorite shed hunting grounds only to find it covered in boot tracks. And as more people take up shed hunting, there is more pressure to walk available public lands.
Although many shed hunt purely for the excitement of finding sheds, there is the opportunity for financial gain. Antlers are in demand for crafts, rustic décor, dog chews and other uses. Deer antlers often bring $10 a pound, while elk and moose antlers may command $15 a pound. But exceptionally large or unusual antlers can command even larger premiums. As such, shed hunting is a nice side hustle for many folks.
But all is not lost. You can still find antlers in today’s world. You may just have to work a little harder. Be willing to get out early and often. Go farther into the back country and search more thoroughly. Take the few extra steps to get a good look under a bedding tree or to see the last couple feet of a slope edge.
Also, don’t be afraid to knock on a few doors. Although it’s increasingly difficult to gain access to hunt or shed hunt on private lands, it’s still possible. In particular, deer are attracted to cattle feed lots, where farmers spread grain or alfalfa for their livestock. Driving over an antler can ruin a tire, so farmers and ranchers may actually encourage people to pick sheds from their property. It can’t hurt to ask.
