ok dumb ???????
 

where and when is the best way and time to look for sheds and what do you do with them

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

Where: generally bedding areas and high-travel trails are good, and specifically fencelines (the theory is that the shock of jumping a fence will pop them off, I think).

When: obviously, whenever your deer lose their antlers. February and March are safe bets.

What do you do with them? Eh, they're just evidence that those bucks survived another hunting season. I suppose you could make a lamp or chandelier out of them, or if they're not particularly impressive, a nice set of rattling antlers. *shrug*

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

If you find some nice sheds you could always send them to me LoL

Or make some cool knives

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

Here out west there was a good market for them, I haven't checked on prices in a few years but at one time they were being bought for 14.00 a pound. It sure was nice to find a 10 pound elk shed once in a while. Of course that was the fresh price. The horns are being shipped to the orient for some kind of medicine or love potion. This was the whole argument of Taulman and the USO against Arizona. It is a huge interstate commerce industry. I know some guys that do it almost full time in the months of april and may, after the deer and elk both have shed.

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

Depends on the area but it happens due to the drop in testosterone levels in the bucks, this coincides with the last of the 3 estrus cycles(ruts) for your area. Smaller antler bucks drop sooner than larger bucks and nutrition levels, stress (hard winter, etc) can all play a part in when the antlers actually fall off particular animals. Typical in the north they are sooner than the south, as the rut cycles differ. Here in Sask, Canada it is typically in February but last fall many still had antlers in March due to the warm winter and low stress level. Some also say the last rut was longer than usual causing their hormone level to stay higher for longer than a typical year. Check with your local DNR and they should be able to give you an estimate on when the deer shed in your area.

Where to find them any major travel areas, food sources, bedding areas and if like here they yard up some so this makes the area bit more defined but they may travel several miles to feed so a lot of walking and a keen eye is always a good asset.

I personally just collect them, it is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, if I find some it is a real bonus. I know many guys who make things with them, some actually sell them on ebay so the choice is yours really.

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

I cut them in pieces. But on ebay the prices they are getting sometimes is just foolish people with to much money

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

If anyone can tell me how to make love potion, I'll buy antlers, too!

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

LOVE potion, Ground up antler,Cook down a pot of tarsal glands and drain off the juice.Save the gland for next years scrape hangers.Mix the tarsal juice with the powder antler. Add some liquid vitamin E. Peanut oil,olive oil. Add to your favorite drink and stir with a bunny claw or possum male organ.

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

Thanks. I'l try it. I just threw my possum organs away when I was cleaning my garage, so I'll have to resort to bunny claws. Do you think it will make my wife love me during hunting season?

RE: ok dumb ???????
 

-lol-only if smell goes when you do! mine cant stnd it:D