Its very early in the year, and so it is important to remind ourselves to excersize a lot of caution when it comes to shed hunting. It hasn't been an easy winter, and theres still plenty of time for more snow or harsh temps. Deer don't need any more stress than they are under. That said, if you're anything like me you have a serious itch to start hitting the woods and looking for antlers. In order to scratch that itch, I have been spending a lot of time glassing, walking fields mid day when no deer are present, and a checking a few bedding areas after I've seen deer move out of them on their own. I've only jumped two does so far this year, which i believe is really good and as minimal as it gets. Now on to the update!
Elk are still packing, and most will be for another three to five weeks. I've heard of a few mule deer dropping, but again, most will still be packing their antlers for a little while longer. Which means almost all of my focus has been on the whitetails! In my part of the state, I'm seeing about 70-75% of bucks still packing their antlers around. It does seem like most if not all of the 3 year old and older bucks have dropped, and a few younger bucks are starting to join them.
On January 24th, Hank and I went out to see if we could stumble onto an early shed. While we didn't find any sheds, Hank did find what looked to be a winter kill 2 1/2 year old buck. I always have mixed emotions when I find a dead head, and especially this one as I know I watched him alive this past November. However I was thrilled that Hank had smelled him and lead me through the thick brush to him, there was no way I would have found him without Hank the Tank! I didn't have any means to get his antlers off, so I marked it on my map and we headed back. Later that week on the 28th, I grabbed a saw, my pack, and Hank with the intent of going and grabbing the antlers from the unlucky buck. We took a different route on the way in, and as we were getting past the field edge I noticed Hank keying in on a scent. I started letting Hank lead the way, and could tell he was getting more eager as I let him pull forward. Then, laying in the thigh-high grass was another dead-head. Another buck I had seen on occasion in November, he is a heavier horned 8 point. I was upset at the sight of another dead buck, but again was thrilled with Hank's work and let him know it.
Hank and I have went out a few more times with still no sheds to show for it. I did secure a few permissions to shedhunt on some private ground, which we are very excited about! This coming weekend we may head to one of the ranches, as it is known for holding a lot of mature deer. If the weather stays nice, it will definitely be worth a look. I have been scouting another ranch, and know of four bucks (including two nice ~120" bucks) living in a secluded back field. Hopefully they stay put and drop their sets soon! Good luck to everyone else heading out!
Days Out | Miles | Hanks Antlers | My Antlers | Total |
6 | 11.8 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
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