Outside Iowa: The Journey to a Thousand Sheds
It all starts with a single step. Based on years of photos and talking with fellow shed-heads, the majority of bucks shed their antlers between the second week of February and the first week of March. There are exceptions on either side of those dates, but with those kinds of odds its easy to see that the time to hit the trails has come.
I found my first shed 12 years ago and that shed began my shed hunting experiences. It’s a small forky, but it represents my late winter obsession and how my deer season gets extended. It has special place on my mantle next to my largest and otherwise favorite sheds. Hunters are sentimental, no question about it.
Since that fateful day when I picked up my very first antler, things have changed dramatically. Shed hunting today has really become a sport of status, where hunters will do just about anything to pick up as many antlers as they possibly can as if a larger pile of bone makes them better hunters. Sure, to be successful enough to find 50-60 sheds a year or more it takes dedication and ample land access. To me, picking up the right 10-12 sheds makes the season a success, not sheer numbers.
Shed hunting has become so popular that many hunters cross property boundaries and become shed thieves. Even on the properties I hunt, it’s a rarity to get out there for the first walk of the season without finding trespasser boot tracks. It’s irritating, but it happens.
There are circumstances where mistakes happen; I understand that.
If you are new to a property and don’t know the boundaries perfectly yet and there are some fence lines in ill repair, accidentally ending up on the wrong side can happen. I’ve made that mistake, but through that I have learned that knowing those boundaries before you ever leave the truck is critical.
The journey to a thousand sheds begins with an eagerness to begin putting miles on the boot treads.
Don’t expect to find something every time you go, but search as far and as thoroughly as you can and what you do find goes far beyond sheds. Regardless, I have no interest in getting to the thousand-shed pinnacle if it’s done illegally. I want to look at every shed I have worked to find knowing it was picked up legitimately and actually belongs among my collection.
The obsession is tied to the same obsession we have in the fall. We want to be outside with purpose and that purpose is to better our understanding of one of the most illusive big game animals in North America.
We want to build an extensive history with a specific animal, which almost turns into a relationship. Our goal is to accomplish the perfect hunt complete with sheds, trail camera pictures, and encounters.
Your focus is an instrumental aspect of being successful while shed hunting. If you have a lot on your mind, you may not be paying as close attention as you could be, which means you might be walking right past sheds.
I’ve also had that happen more times than I care to admit.
I have found that by clearing my mind in preparation to hit the woods searching for sheds is a great way to leave the daily stresses behind for a little bit, is relaxing. Not to mention, this is a great way to burn some calories and shed a few pounds.
I know I say this a lot, but I won’t apologize for it. With the warmer weather of spring setting in, this can be a great time to get the kids involved and teach them about the animal that dominates our thoughts throughout the fall. The tradition is yours to pass on, show them why!
Good luck and feel free to contact me with any questions at tha481@gmail.com
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit http://www.allen.bowhuntingroad.com