A little advice?

Cookie2 · May 20, 2007

Ok,
I've been killing myself up there looking for sheds and it just ain't working out the way I think it ought to. I saw over thirty different bulls still packing in mid March. We found one set of fresh sixes and that's it! Where in the world did all those bulls leave their horns??? I have only seen other vehicles a couple of times and they weren't in there where I am. I think they stayed pretty close to the roads for the amount of time they were there. I have found quite a few old sheds but the fresh ones are eluding me big time. Do all of you guys find them on top, in the bottom of mainly on the sides? The sides is all I have left. The bulls are still there, I saw them yesterday, so what gives?

rustsmit · May 21, 2007

I am not sure how the winter was where you are, but this year, I have had more success in the timber than I have in past years. Some of our spots did not have as big of winters as in the past and the elk were traveling into and through the timber easier than they had in the past. I would say that 85% of the antlers I have picked up this year were inthe timber. Just a thought.

Daggerboy · May 21, 2007

I know how you feel, but what you have to think about is what the elk are doing that time of year..ya there is still snow storms but they are always moving.. where i pick up sheds they are south and they move north, that is what they have always done and iam sure they will do it again next year, oh and keep in mind south facing slopes

TwoLabs · May 22, 2007

I'm struggling also. I started hunting this year to late to scout for bucks & bulls so I went on past history of where I've seen game. It worked for deer but cannot find the bulls. Do bulls go to the same area every year or is it based on weather. I've seen the cows in the same place this year (300-400 a trip) as last and there was a huge difference in the weather. Didn't seem to matter to the cows that there was no snow.
What is the preferred food for bulls in the spring?

toughshed · May 22, 2007

cool season grasses and forbs...they are REALLY hungry and their schedule revolves around filling their belly with fresh grasses and forbs. Then they go lay down during the day and chew their cud...where? you figure that one out...the easy antlers are out in the open where they were feeding, likely at night. The hard ones to find are in or on the way to the bedding areas...mostly in the bedding areas though....

Cookie2 · May 22, 2007

I have already checked every bedding area within miles of these elk. I'm guessing that they are on those south facing slopes but the shinnery is so thick I may have to step on them to see them. I found two there yesterday but they were also a year of two old. The set I am looking for are going to be a real chore to say the least! They already have been! Thanks for all of your input. I will keep looking and if I find that "magical" place where all of those bulls left them I will let you all know.

hunterofelk · May 22, 2007

I've had the same experience. See a lot of bulls packing, two weeks later everyone has shed and nothing to find. They move around a lot and shed all over. Also, one guy who is in the right place at the right time can pick up a lot of sheds and you would never know. One positive factor in your case is your ability to find last year's sheds so I'd bet there are some of this years laying behind a tree or in some brush. Just keep looking.

Daggerboy · May 24, 2007

that is such an awesome picture... that is what shed hunting is all about

Trash340 · May 25, 2007

Yes Yes, in the timber, where all the forbs and grasses are. You know, 85% of the bulls shed when they are laying around not moving their heads. Did you see all those little antlers rustsmit found in the timber? Guess I'll stomp the timber!!!!