Memories like these can be yours at the ranches of Ricardo, Rincon, and Rita. Even though we were walking the same ground in the same area, my years of experience and knack for finding antlers played a key role in my success that day. Dog Chews . Shed Hunting: From Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Big game seasons have ended and spring turkey seasons have not yet started. One of the greatest features about OnXMaps is that it shows public and private land ownership, giving you peace of mind when accessing hunting areas. Have a chance to win hunts and gear every month — over $100,000 per year, Access strategy & tips to help you apply & spend more time in the field, Statistics and historical data to find top producing trophy units, Detailed overview of how to apply and hunt in each state, Your quick dashboard for important dates, benefits, and the latest giveaways. Hunting for whitetail shed antlers dominates the antler scene, but like dreaming about a western elk hunt, shed antler fanatics consider hunting for elk and mule deer shed antlers a bucket-list adventure. If you aren’t familiar with Google Earth, think of it as a much more interactive, detailed version of Google Maps, where you can see land contours and mark locations much like on a handheld GPS. No matter how many miles you put on the ground in the most productive areas with the most amount of animals, if you don’t have the eye for spotting an antler, everything else is obsolete. Here’s another quick tip: Go join, If you are looking for another unique way to train your eyes, check out this picture-based article from, QuietKat: The Most Efficient Shed Hunting Vehicle, Podcast 30 – Montana Mule Deer Madness with Jackson Ryley and Joe Umphries, Podcast 29 – Whitetail Deer Hunting with Bob Polanic, Podcast 28 – DIY Elk Planning with Jacob Coons, “New School” Tips For The Beginner Shed Hunter |, Colorado Elk Shed Hunting Tips – Transition Wild. Where do you go for deer antlers and where do you go for elk and moose antlers? Last week, in a unanimous decision, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to close all public lands west of I-25 to shed hunters through April 30, KOAA.com reports. This is a wildlife regulation matter,” said Commissioner Alexander Zipp. The same holds true for shed antler hunting, especially in the mountains of Colorado. Shed Hunting Tips From Some of the Nation’s Best Shed Hunters. From March 15 through May 15, shed antler collection was prohibited from legal sunset to 10 a.m. This was enacted in 2018 to protect wildlife from additional stress. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. If you are looking for another unique way to train your eyes, check out this picture-based article from Wired To Hunt. Yet, for those who hike Colorado’s backcountry in search of sheds, you’ll have to wait until May 1 to start. Wyoming Backcountry Mule Deer Hunt Video Series With Randy Newberg, OUT WEST - A Wyoming Backcountry Archery Elk Hunt, Federal judge rules bear baiting lawsuit can continue, Let’s not forget that hunting is about hunting. If you don’t think it can be exciting, you’ve probably never given it a serious try. Collecting is usually allowed to start on March 15. Now you might be saying, well this all sounds great but I still have no clue as to where to begin to find shed antlers. In the areas I Mountain Lion hunt I look for sheds in between sets. I sometimes sit back and watch Sam meander off in a direction while thinking to myself, I would have went the exact opposite way! OnXMaps shows you exactly where public and private land boundaries are located and allow you mark spots and utilize different overlays much like a handheld GPS. Luckily for you, there are numerous ways to utilize technology to your advantage before you ever step foot outside. All Rights Reserved | Powered by SKT Themes, {"slides_column":"1","slides_scroll":"1","dots":"true","arrows":"true","autoplay":"true","autoplay_interval":"2000","loop":"true","rtl":"false","speed":"1000","center_mode":"true"}, My other go-to piece of technology is the, This app costs $35 per year but in my opinion, is well worth the money because it is extremely important to know which lands are available to access and which ones are off limits due to private ownership. I won’t elaborate too much on this topic but essentially what I am trying to convey here is to concentrate on locating and searching slopes that are South-facing because they have a higher concentration of animals during Winter months. No, it just means he is still learning the ropes. This is because these slopes have less snow and therefore, have more food, which results in more animals using this to their advantage to survive. Mark Kayser. Colorado prohibits shed hunting from Jan. 1 to April 30 west of I-25. First, let’s start with a recap on white-tailed deer habits and habitats. Colorado has responded to increased shed antler hunting pressure in recent years by instituting their first ever shed hunting license. The areas in blue show Winter concentration areas for elk in Colorado. Here’s another quick tip: Go join Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) for $35 and receive a 1-year free subscription to OnXMaps Hunt! The most accurate way is to use trail cameras for shed hunting. Ivory & Antler Outfitters offers guided, free range Shiras Moose hunts in Colorado, near Walden, CO. Whenever you are shed hunting with someone who has more experience than you, pay close attention as to how they navigate the terrain and how they scan the landscape in front of them. I would love to hear some of your shed hunting strategies and tactics that you use to find antlers – share them with me in the comments below! With shed hunting season well underway in Colorado, I thought I would offer up a few tips for the novice shed hunter looking to find that precious prize. In 2018, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to prohibit shed antler and horn collection on all public lands west of I-25 from Jan. 1 through April 30, annually. The act, commonly referred to as shed hunting, has become increasingly popular in recent years. For those of you passionate about shed hunting and dogs, this is your website. Is this person following a drainage full of sage brush or are they running the ridge top in a thick cover of pinion pines? Although this piece applies more directly to whitetail shed hunting, antler characteristics throughout all species remain relatively the same. I would like to know where you like to go antler hunting in Colorado. If you lack experience in the world of shed hunting, sometimes you can feel overwhelmed when it comes to getting started. I live near the foothills between Denver and Boulder. The resource of public land comes with great opportunity when it comes to shed antlers. Colorado is home to millions of acres of BLM and National Forest areas available for public recreational use but there are often private lands mixed in between. If you want to more quickly overcome the learning curve of shed antler hunting, it would be beneficial to befriend someone who is a proficient shed hunter themselves. I'd bet in 5 years they up it to $100 the way they have been doing things. Collecting antlers shed by big game has become a popular and profitable pursuit. This tactic may sound silly to some but for the inexperienced shed hunter, it is a valuable practice to implement. One of the best aspects of elk shed hunting is enjoying the spring time in elk country. This is not a money-making decision. Call Earl at (720) 218-4677 for questions or to book a hunt. Dogs have upwards of 300 million scent receptors in the noses (bloodhound) and with some training, they’ll locate and retrieve some shed antlers that you would have never found. Luckily for you, Colorado Parks and Wildlife have developed Google Earth (KMZ) Species Maps that are available for download for free and provide a map overlay of species activity. There are additional restrictions on the Gunnison Basin. Colorado Shed Hunters. Draw Odds Updated for 2021 in AZ, ID, UT, WY, 2021 Western Big Game Hunting Application Deadlines. Deer are adapted to rest during the day and feed throughout the night. The moment will come when you find an antler. Surround yourself with people who are better than you and you will quickly follow suit to shed hunting success. Provided | Because of the severe winter in the Gunnison Basin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has put a special regulation in place that prohibits shed antler collecting until May 15. Happy shed hunting! Maybe so, but I don’t think it was a coincidence that I found more antlers than he did. If you plan to try your Backwoods Old Dominion Boots out looking for sheds, be sure you know the laws of the area you plan to shed hunt. “I’d like to start with just a time restriction, without the fees. Here you will find all the latest information on NASHDA events and shed dog training information, training products, events, as well as techniques on how to train your own shed dog. Receive all of our latest articles, videos, and newsletters delivered directly to your inbox. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approves shed antler and horn collection seasonal restrictions at January meeting. Welcome to the North American Shed Hunting Dog Association (NASHDA), website. Did I have more luck than him that day? But after you celebrate with a fist-pump, , … While there was some debate over the addition of a license/permit for shed antler/horn collection, they decided to move forward without charging extra fees. When it comes to shed hunting a western state like Colorado, the amount of public land can seem endless and finding a spot to start can be overwhelming. Hopefully, you have a few takeaways from this article and can put them to use on your own shed hunting endeavors this year. I introduced shed antler hunting to my buddy, Sam, last year and shortly after his first endeavor, he quickly fell victim to the addiction. If you’re a fan of wildlife and a fan of collecting the antlers bucks and bulls leave behind every spring, you need to read this update from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. My other go-to piece of technology is the OnXMaps Hunt App available for download on iOS or Android. The use of ATV's is permitted and encouraged on all our Deer and Elk hunting leases. Public land versus private tracts can be tough to recognize if you are unfamiliar with the area so it is imperative to be 100% certain for trespassing considerations. Find a Shed Mentor. One example is Colorado where their Parks and Wildlife Department has enacted a regulation that prohibits antler and horn collection from Jan. 1 to April 30. The three ranches offer 45,000 acres of nature at its best. Fast forward to our first time out together in 2016, I had him beat 6-0 on a four-hour hike in Southwest Colorado. Shed Hunting Restrictions in Colorado. Antler collectors and all people recreating in Colorado are reminded that shed antler and horn collecting is prohibited on all public lands west of I-25 from March 2 through April 30. Shed Antler Hunting Tip #1 – Use a dog. You could face steep fines if you're caught collecting shed antlers in Western Colorado. Get a pair. The decision, which will take effect March 1, is in place to protect wildlife that spend winter on these lands. Before too long you will begin to hunt smarter, not harder and become more proficient at finding shed antlers in the Colorado high-country. Finding an antler laying on the ground is similar to finding a needle in a haystack; they can be very tough to spot. goHUNT is a registered trademark of goHUNT, LLC. Shed hunting is the ultimate treasure hunt and, for some, an exciting pastime. Are they moving quickly or are they taking more of a slow, strategic approach? According to Alamosa News, officials have been discussing the issue over the last few months before approving this new shed hunting restriction. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive The Colorado Beginner Elk Hunting Guide for FREE, Pingback: “New School” Tips For The Beginner Shed Hunter |(), Pingback: Colorado Elk Shed Hunting Tips – Transition Wild(). News, Colorado, shed hunting, sage grouse. Going forward, the closure will occur annually Jan. 1 through April 30. This license is mandatory for any person collecting shed antlers, shed horns, antlers or horns attached to skull plates of animal carcasses that are found in the field, etc. One of my favorite programs is Google Earth, which is an invaluable mapping tool and can be downloaded for free. The decision, which will take effect March 1, is in place to protect wildlife that spend winter on these lands. 2,018 likes. I utilize binoculars to scan a large amount of landscape, quickly and effectively. Choose from 14 Colorado ranches for Elk Hunting and Deer Hunting for 2021 Colorado Elk Hunting and Deer Hunting Leases in hunting units 4, 15, 23, 25, 42, 65, 82, 131, and 211. A strategy I used in my early years was to close my eyes, throw a shed into a thick area and walk towards it to see how quickly I could locate the antler. The Pro-Cam 12 is a great trail camera that you can use throughout the year to keep tabs on the deer herd. I’m not saying to completely rule out all other slopes but as a general rule of thumb, slopes that face South will be much more productive than others. For the inexperienced shed hunter, it is important to train the eye. The season for "shed hunting" will open on May 1. In fact, to protect the birds further, an additional closure of public lands to shed hunters will occur May 1 to May 15, from sunset to 10 a.m. in Game Management Units 54, 55, 66, 67, and 551, the Alamosa News reports. For more information about the new restriction, click here. elk shed hunting in colorado, ... would: [E]nd all hunting behind "enclosures" in Colorado. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Doesn't make any sense to me why I cant pick up a chalky shed that's been laying there for 3 years. … Against the Exciting backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains of south-central Colorado, you will follow our guides to the hunt of your lifetime. Shed Hunting Tips the Western Way. For additional shed hunting tips and helpful information, be sure to check out 4 New School Tips For The Beginner Colorado Shed Hunter. As with anything in life, there is a learning curve to anything you do, whether it’s … Just a reminder for anyone that might find themselves in a similar situation. A fun page to share pics from successful shed hunting trips. All of this attention and overzealousness has prompted many states to implement shed hunting seasons. Receive updates and goHUNT's most popular content. In addition, to further protect the Gunnison sage-grouse, the new regulations include a time-of-day closure in the Gunnison Basin May 1 - 15 from sunset to 10 a.m. © Copyright 2017 Transition Wild. As with anything in life, there is a learning curve to anything you do, whether it’s golfing, playing guitar, becoming a better public speaker, weight lifting, etc. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I found this small mule deer shed in a bedding area on a south facing slope, laying underneath a juniper tree. I am a novice and this is what I know, correct me if I'm wrong: January and February are the best time to go antler hunting. Shed hunting is the search for antlers that have been shed by cervids, or members of the deer family, such as deer, elk and moose. February 12, 2017 at 5:18 pm. To make things easier for the inexperienced shed hunter, I’ve put together a “new-school” quick-start-guide to get you off and running in pursuit of that brown gold! Shed hunting is an ever-growing sport and there are numerous reasons why. Officials hope that this closure will specifically help protect the breeding and nesting grounds of the Gunnison sage-grouse, a bird that is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, according to The Daily Sentinel. There’s no substitute for the real deal which means getting outside and putting boots on the ground. Browning makes gun safe selection super easy! “There are some new regulations put in place in Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield and Routt counties where you’re not allowed to shed hunt from Jan. 1 through March 14,” Behncke said. Experienced shed hunters know how to maneuver the landscape, adjust their path based on animal sign and have a keen eye for spotting those hard-to-find antlers. Shed hunting has become so popular that guided week-long “shed hunts” in prime areas can cost $2,500 or more with food and lodging included. This app costs $35 per year but in my opinion, is well worth the money because it is extremely important to know which lands are available to access and which ones are off limits due to private ownership. Subscribe to Blog via Email. Does this mean he is a bad shed hunter? This is especially true for areas that have experienced a severe Winter with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Some shed hunters search for sheds with the intention of selling them, while others use sheds to help plan hunts for the following year. With each throw it would land in a different position; tines up, tines down, facing away, partially hidden, fully exposed or sunk in the mud, forcing my eyes to pick up on those differences. A hunt for shed elk antlers is just the ticket to get outside and enjoy a spring day in elk country. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Tagged as: CASTLE ROCK, CO – MARCH 23, 2014: A mule deer shed serves as an antler hunting training tool for Bailey in Castle Rock in March. New shed hunting regs come with a $40 license and is closed from Jan 1 - Apr 30 west of I25. For example, if you were looking to specifically pursue elk shed antlers, download the elk .kmz file, study their winter concentration areas and figure out an initial game plan based on that information. Many shed antler collectors bring their dogs along, some of which are trained specifically to find the shed. Last week, in a unanimous decision, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to close all public lands west of I-25 to shed hunters through April 30, KOAA.com reports. "In 2018, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to prohibit shed antler and horn collection on all public lands west of I-25 from Jan. 1 through April 30, annually." The popularity for shed hunting has increased significantly over the past ten years. As with anything in life, the more you practice and the more time you put in, the better you will get. You will also notice if you utilize the Google Earth species map overlay mentioned earlier in this article that many of the South-facing slopes have a high concentration of wintering deer and elk herds. Colorado: On public lands in the Gunnison Basin (big game management units 54, 55, 551, 66 and 67), collection of shed antlers was prohibited from Jan. 1 through March 14. The majority of times you will not spot the entire antler as a whole but most likely a small portion of a tine, main beam or antler base. 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Similar situation encouraged on all our deer and elk hunting leases a hunt for hunting... Email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by.! Feel overwhelmed when it comes to shed hunting restriction Alamosa News, Colorado shed! Does this mean he is still learning the ropes near the foothills between Denver Boulder. 'S is permitted and encouraged on all our deer and elk hunting leases doing. Been discussing the issue over the last few months before approving this new shed hunting.. I don ’ t think it was a coincidence that I found antlers... Find an antler was enacted in 2018 to protect wildlife that spend winter on these lands AZ, ID UT... You and you will get use a dog has increased significantly over the past ten years a slow strategic. Hunting dog Association ( NASHDA ), website check out this picture-based article from Wired to hunt download iOS..., it is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation wildlife. 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Is still learning the ropes enjoying the spring time in elk country notifications of new posts by email forward...