It’s that time of year! What a great excuse to go out for a hike – to search for Deer antler sheds. For those that are not familiar, bucks lose their antlers around this time of year. The dropped antlers are called ‘sheds.’ Note I didn’t refer to them as ‘horns,’ Deer do not have horns. Horns, like those found on a Bighorn Sheep, are not shed annually. Antlers, as found on Deer species and Elk are shed annually. OK, enough with the Biology course. Let’s get on with the joy of finding an antler shed!
A very good friend of mine found an antler shed a couple days ago and gifted it to me. I was elated! It’s the little four-point in the featured photo. Really a cute little bugger. Nice form, just smaller. But it is my favorite antler shed now – partly because it was a gift from a special person.
Finding antler sheds is like finding a treasure for me
I have two other antler sheds that I found on the property. They are much larger and very cool as well. One has some ‘character marks’ from a gnawing mouse. I don’t mind. It adds to the story of the shed. The other has a very distinctive tall tine. I remember seeing the buck earlier in the season. Beautiful creature. It’s neat to be able to collect a shed from an animal that has been observed in past.
It’s not often one finds deer antler sheds, and there is a reason for it. Rodents. Squirrels, Chipmunks and Mice love to gnaw on sheds and actually ingest the calcium-rich antler. Additionally, a rodents teeth grow continuously and need to be worn down. An antler shed is the perfect gnaw bone. This is why one wants to go out now to find deer antler sheds, when they have just dropped, to get them before the rodents do. And not to worry about the rodents. They have plenty to gnaw on in the wilds of Nature. (Huh, I just jumped back into the Biology course! I hope you find this interesting.)
Where to look for antler sheds
Well, the short answer is to look for them in the same area you find deer. It’s nice this time of year because you can determine where the deer are by the tracks they leave in the snow. Find a good deer trail and follow it. Look in bedding areas and feeding areas. Antlers just sort of drop off. Sometimes you will find them near a fence a deer jumps over. The jarring of the body will knock them loose. Other times they will be in very random locations. I think the bases itch as they dry out and the deer will occasionally give a head shake in seeking relief.
As for property, there is public land. Now I have only found deer sheds on private property but I’m not aware of any law forbidding searching for deer antler sheds on public lands. May want to check this out to be certain. Grab a pair of snow shoes or cross country skis and get packing! As I mentioned above, the thrill of finding a shed is like finding treasure – at least to me! And, of course, private property requires permission to enter. Be a respectful searcher!
What to do with a shed?
As you can see in the featured photos, I decorate with them. You can hang them on the wall with a leather lace or use them as a table decoration or talking piece. Please note, this is the perfect item for the Man Cave or Work Shop! That’s where mine are, except for this little guy I received the other day. That one sits on my desk. A reminder of the great friend I have.
By the way, I placed this shed in a Natural Edge wood bowl I turned on the lathe. Included in the bowl are some various baubles – Lake Superior Agates I polished and a bit of miscellany. Fun to look at and handle. Recalling days past. Delightful memories.
Closing
Deer antler sheds are cool but not as cool as the friendship I have that relates to the shed. That is the true gift. Speaking of gifts, have you considered a fine piece of wildlife wall art or desk art to gift to a good friend? I have loads to consider at my website. Do you have questions about what size of wall art to purchase or what medium you should consider? Contact me! The process is quite straightforward but I would be delighted to assist you with your purchase. I am here for you.
Now go out and find an antler shed! Do it with a friend. And don’t forget to tell your friend how much you appreciate them! That is the real treasure. Peace.
