Shed Hunting Questions

[AZ Jim]

I live in AZ and generally hunt in the central mountain regions and the North Kaibab. For years I have found sheds when I was out hunting, but have never had the opportunity to search for them specifically. I usually just happen across them, more luck than anything.

I went out today looking for elk sheds, but found nothing. Are the elk shedding yet? What about mule deer? Is the shed triggered by a hormonal change or temperatures?

Is there a specific science, method or technique behind shed hunting? What are the best places to look. I was searching along common well used trails, fence crossings, and near the bedding areas.

Any information would be much appreciated.


Thank you,

AZ Jim

 

[Predator 1]

HeyAZ! Welcome to shed hunting!

I can't really comment on the Elk and deer in your area...as far as when and where to look, but I can set you on the right track for the basics.

First off you got to find the animals, and where there wintering. Once that is established, then find the feeding areas. I concentrate on feeding areas up here early, then start looking in the bedding areas once the snow has melted.

As far as finding sheds...once your in the right area...get a good set of binos, and walk slow...real slow...periodically scanning, and checking out just about everything that looks out of the ordinary. Start off by just keeping yourself in "sign" stick to the sign and let it take you whereever it leads. Then if you feel you've covered it good enough, and you found some good sheds that you still need to match up then try a grid pattern through the heavier sign, and expand out from there.

Don't be afraid to go back to areas repeatadly that you've already searched, and retrace your steps...I found sheds on several occasions that I had missed two or even three times...sometimes 2 or 3 years....you can never really over search a good area.

Good luck, and I hope to see some pics soon! Don't forget to take some "As They Lay" pics before you pick them up...can't beat them!

Pred

 

[B&CMulies]

In my many years of shed hunting in Wyoming you can almost set your watch by the time of year to when they will start dropping with the exception to an extream winter when they seem to drop a little sooner. Like you I look from all muledeer and elk sheds. I will start lookig for deer around the end of February, th edeer in my area start dropping the end of January and are all finished by the first week of March. Elk are a little later. I usually start finding fresh elk sheds in March. The best advise I can give would be to do your homework in the winter. Go out a few times just to see where they are wintering at, then when it warms up a little and enough snow melts, you will know exactly where to look. I plan to start my shed hunting in 2 weeks! Good luck, have fun and take you camera and let us know how you did!

 

[Found one]

Elk: 14th of march
Mule Deer: 1st of march

 

[AZ Jim]

Thank you for the information !

I will put it to the test over the next couple of months.

I will post pictures of the ones I find.


AZ Jim

 

[superduty]

AZ Jim, I will be starting Sat. March 1st. Any later than that and the good areas could be already picked over but you just never know for sure like Predator 1 said. Don't be affraid to go back to a good spot just because you or someone else might have already looked days before. Good Luck