A Life in Waders: Antlers Somewhere

Each winter male whitetail deer shed their antlers between December and February to make room for new (generally larger) antlers. There is no rhyme or reason to where deer lose their antlers. They can fall off while a deer is sleeping, feeding, walking, running, jumping, or just standing still. Sometimes they get knocked off from thick brush, and sometimes deer expedite the process by rubbing them on a tree or sticking them in mud.

What happens to the antlers? Most become food for mice, squirrels, and other rodents, but a few can be found before it's too late. With hunting season gone and a couple months left until fishing comes into full swing, "shed hunting" helps fill in some of the down time, it helps keep us active, and helps us scout properties for future deer seasons.

Although some people make it look easy, I have never been very successful at this game. Until this winter I have only found two shed antlers, both incidentally while tracking shot deer, and both had already been found by hungry rodents. Even though it's definitely not my niche, I still go searching every winter. I love being in the woods, regardless of what I find... Although a couple antlers every now and then would be nice!

I have gone on quick walks a couple times this winter, but this past Saturday a few of us spent several hours in the woods in a couple spots loaded with deer. John struck first, then second soon after with two right side antlers, both under cedar thickets. The first was from a nice deer, likely an eight-point if the other side matched, and the second was a large spike horn. A little later on I actually found one myself! A heavy six point right side (again assuming the other side matched). We spent a couple more hours looking, but came up empty handed minus a few random deer bones scattered in the woods.

The successful shed hunt was followed with venison backstrap on the grill and couple cold beers.