When's the best time to look?

[larzmang]

My 4 year old has been asking me day-in and day-out if he can go elk hunting with me this year. I hate to tell him no, so I made him a deal. I told him that we could go look for some sheds this next year. I've never been shed hunting before. It's always been that I've just stumbled across them, but when is the best time of year to start looking?

 

[massNtrash]

I start finding elk sheds about the end of march beginning of april but now that there is a shed hunting law around here i can't pick them up until may so if there are no laws for shed hunting where you are i would start sometime early april.

 

[larzmang]

Thanks for the advice. I went ahead and looked up the laws in Utah. Between Feb 1st and April 15th you have to carry a certificate if you're going to pick up sheds. The certificate is free; you just have to complete an online course at wildlife.utah.gov/shedantler. It says the course will be available in December 2010 for the 2011 Feb-April shed hunt. Good luck!!

 

[hunter_orange13]

Remember though, you can't be shed hunting on the WMA's until may. Good luck and post up some pics next spring!

 

[ElkSniper]

Late april is when I find the most.

 

[larzmang]

Thanks for filling me in on that. Last thing I wanna do is something stupid like that and get canned from hunting for the next year.

 

[larzmang]

Nice finds, with really nice coloring too!

 

[Aaron84]

Best of luck hope you get the youngen hooked for life.

 

[Hornhog2]

The best time to look for sheds is when you have time! Thats the beauty of it. I found a bunch while hunting deer this year. In fact, at times i bailed on hunting deer and just went for the sheds and dead heads. Just don't bugger the deer and have a great time! I understand that those critters have a rough go when the snow is deep so I leave them alone. Other than that, I'm out poundin the hills. It's a judgement call...if you think the animals can handle a dude walkin through their territory, do it. If you think they would be stressed out, hold on a bit. Shed hunting is a great way to get the kids involved and enjoy the outdoors year round. Have fun and pick up a bunch! P.S. I think really cold weather hurts them more than snow. It takes an awfull lot of energy to stay warm. Snow doesn't hurt them a bit.