Shed hunting newbie

[AughtSixGuy]

Hey all, I am new to the forum and new to shed hunting. I found my first shed antler 20 years ago, and never though anything of it. But this last year I was elk hunting in Colorado, and ended up getting a 5x5 bull on my first hunt. During scouting for this hunt I found a 4x3 Muley deadhead, and now want to get into the hobby. I really want to find some elk sheds, and am planning to go back to the Meeker, Colorado area where I got my elk, to do some preseason scouting and shed hunting. Is anybody familiar with the area and where to look for elk sheds? I'm not asking for anybody to give up their honey hole (but won't turn one down lol) but I would like to be pointed in the right direction. Any tips are appreciated! Thanks in advance,
Gary

 

[bonepicker]

It's got to be once or twice a month (maybe more) that someone uses the line "I'm not asking for anybody's honeyhole, but..." You're definitely not going to get anybody's best spots in fact in my area, I send everybody who asks me to the same well known area that has very few antlers. So, not everything you hear will be reliable. The best plan for shed hunting is walk your tail off. I've been shed hunting for 18 years and only just now am beginning to feel that I have some idea of what I'm doing but it's mostly luck and hard work. Hike the areas that would be good places to spend the winter and spring as an elk or deer. But by this time of year, don't be expecting to find alot. Shed hunting is more and more competitive and the hardcore guys have had 4-5 months to pick up what is out there. Give it your best shot and let us know how it goes.

 

[AughtSixGuy]

Yeah, I know nobody will give up their best areas. I live in the desert in southern California and don't get many opportunities to get into elk country. I've read a little about shed hunting, and I've got the general idea. I'm just curious about elk really. Like I said I'm new to elk hunting and shed hunting so just looking for pointers like what you gave me, so thanks for the input. My recently passed Uncle Bob gave me his favorite shed hunting location where he lived in central Utah, and he's found some really nice Muley and Elk sheds. Hopefully soon I can get out there and try it out. Thanks again for the input, it's much appreciated.

 

[NickM]

Walk a lot and keep your eyes peeled! When you think you have walked enough, walk some more...

 

[AughtSixGuy]

Thanks, I'll be sure to do that. I'm gonna put this in practice this spring here in SoCal and see how I do. A buddy pointed out an area to me that's not too f at from home and said he found several sheds while hunting the area. I just found my second ever deadhead last week. It's a lion kill, button buck that had apparently just shed. No antlers, but the pedicles look like the end of a shed antler. Rounded and porous. Will post a pic soon.

 

[6ptbones]

My hornhunting partner and I came up with this philosophy, and it works. #1: Winterground #2 just because someone saw a 100 Elk! doesn't mean they were bulls! Only the bulls shed their horns.Bulls don't care if you can get to where they are. They like their privacy. We drive til the truck gets stuck, pull the horses out and ride til they get stuck, then put on the backpacks and hike til we are stuck! That seems to be when you start finding their sheds, go from there!

 

[AughtSixGuy]

>My hornhunting partner and I came
>up with this philosophy, and
>it works. #1: Winterground #2
>just because someone saw a
>100 Elk! doesn't mean they
>were bulls! Only the bulls
>shed their horns.Bulls don't care
>if you can get to
>where they are. They like
>their privacy. We drive til
>the truck gets stuck, pull
>the horses out and ride
>til they get stuck, then
>put on the backpacks and
>hike til we are stuck!
>That seems to be when
>you start finding their sheds,
>go from there!
Sounds good! Thanks!