when do mule deer shed their antlers in colorado

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. Saturday, February 25, 2006. To speed up your antler discoveries begin by following big game trails. When rumors began to emerge this past Fall that shed hunting in Colorado was going to be pushed back to May, I didn’t really know what to think. Wintering wildlife, mule deer in particular, are very susceptible to any kind of disturbance whether it is from passing cars, domestic dogs or innocent shed hunters in late winter and early spring. Pheasant smokes quickly, and it generates a flavorful, moist product when done. Depending on the area you target, oftentimes you’ll find mule deer antlers one level below where you’ll find elk antlers. Antlers are dropped, or cast, and grow back over a period of months while covered in a furry skin called velvet. Mossy Oak ProStaffer Parrey Cremeans is the owner of Just For Hunting. Most “shed hunting” activities occur during winter and early spring when … The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a deer indigenous to western North America; it is named for its ears, which are large like those of the mule.Two subspecies of mule deer are grouped into the black-tailed deer.. Shortly after shedding, the bucks begin growing new antlers. Elk, on the other hand, begin shedding their antlers in March through April, although it can occur as early as mid-February. My favorite optic to carry is the Nikon Monarch HG10x42 with enough power to pick apart the landscape when looking for antlers. Black-tailed deer are referred to as the “Ghost of the Pacific” for their ability to move unheard and unseen through the thick rainforests of the Pacific Coast. Through winter, the Information Office is open 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri. Colorado prohibits shed hunting from Jan. 1 to April 30 west of I-25. This outfitting company out of Redding, California, hunts on 35,000 acres in northern California and guides on thousands more acres of public land. Start your planning by scheduling for the right time of year. The largest bucks with the largest antlers are dominant and breed the most often during the late-fall mating season (rut). North-facing slopes vary from dark timber to juniper-jammed terrain. Mule deer shed their antlers from January into March. 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. When do mule deer shed? Some may use the antlers to make home furnishings, for artwork or to create knife handles. As you negotiate winter range, you’ll obviously encounter geographic features such as steep canyons and gorges. As March snow melts away, an off-season activity that many deer hunters pursue is looking for shed antlers. Many of these areas have been allotted refuge status with no human access until spring arrives. Electric fences also can be used. You may still pick up shed antlers that have a rounded base aren't attached. Focus on white objects and partial tips protruding from brush or grass. Elk antlers could fetch you anywhere from $12 to $15 per pound. Food Levels Can Influence Antler Shedding Fencing may be required. In much of the Midwest, corn and soybean fields are king when it comes to deer nutrition. By Keith Allen. In these areas, the antler shedding season can run from early March to mid-April. New antlers, covered by a soft velvety skin begin growing in late spring. I'll never forget the sight. Fawns begin accompanying their mother within a few weeks. The best advice for any Western shed antler hunter is to spend wisely on good optics. Cremeans hunts for elk, blacktail deer, mule deer, hogs. You can nudge them slightly in your favor by minimizing disturbance and maximizing the ability of your property to attract and hold more and older deer. The conventional deer-proof fence is 8 feet high and made of woven wire. Females are called does and do not have antlers. Montana In 1895, according to one report, very few mule deer were seen in the Estes Park region and continued into the beginning of the twentieth century. Beer and beef broth add great flavors to any stew. Twin births often occur after the first pregnancy. Every year, whitetail deer, mule deer, elk and various other hoofed mammals shed their antlers. Bucks 3 1/2 years or older will shed their antlers faster than bucks who are 2 1/2 years old or younger. 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. Having lost his protective headgear, a buck has obvious survival advantages in being a member of a bachelor group . This has been in place since 2009. Adequate fencing to exclude deer is the only sure way to control deer damage. The New Year is an excellent opportunity to reassess your old routines and inject them with some new life. daily. Searching for shed antlers and/or hunting bucks without a gun when the season is over will help you compile the most complete information about the whereabouts of deer on your hunting property. Deer that inhabit the hot Southern States have to wait until the beginning of March to lose their antlers. The youngsters do not have an obvious odor that would give them away to predators. Ever since my hunting addiction began to take hold, I’ve always associated March with picking up antlers and a time to get outside after a long Winter to help cure cabin fever. Again, follow the path of least resistance and look for any antlers dropped along the route. My average day is a 12-mile round trip hike. The purpose of the Mule Deer Foundation is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. Remember, elk shed their antlers nearly a month later than deer. Shed hunting offers outdoorsmen a winter or spring opportunity to take to the field. It should also have ample areas to lash antlers. I really believe and know, at least in my house, they're the same philosophy. Picking up a shiny, six-point elk antler while you overlook a scene from the opening of a John Wayne movie is the true reward. Antler prices have risen in recent years. New regulations limit shed antler collection in Colorado CASTLE ROCK, CO – MARCH 23, 2014: A mule deer shed serves as an antler hunting training tool for Bailey in Castle Rock … The more testosterone a male uses during the rut, the more likely it is to drop earlier. Mule deer shed their antlers from January into March. The male deer sheds them between January and April, when they no longer need them to attract mates or fight for mates. Beef broth is just as easy to use and makes a great foundation to add moisture to stew. The first Estes Valley settlers in the early 1860's found a moderately abundant mule deer numbers. March 7, 2016 - Watch a moose shed one of its antlers as a startled Wyoming family records from a window close by. Bucks locate a willing doe and discourage other competitors until mating occurs. Research regions characterized by minimal snow and feeding areas for the animals. Wyoming prohibits shed hunting from Jan. 1 to April 30 on public lands west of the continental divide. Joined Oct 23, 2019 Messages 36 Location LIberty Indiana. After finding some antlers, some of which can be quite large, the next step is deciding what to do with the prize. This is where the deer bed when the weather is windy, the snow is blowing or it’s overcast. It’s really up to Mother Nature when the antler drop occurs, but if you’re lucky occasionally both antlers drop near one another, deer and elk. Colorado - In Game Management Units 54, 55, 551, 66 and 67, the Fish and Game office prohibits hunting antler sheds from January 1 to March 14 annually. Mule deer are social animals that typically stay in groups. The gestation period for does lasts six to seven months with one or two fawns born in the early summer. You also need to outfit yourself with a durable and comfortable pack. In late summer and fall, mixed family groups form larger groups that stay together for protection throughout the winter. Lace up, slide down and cover more ground for a look if you deem it safe. Mule deer became so scarce throughout Colorado that in 1913, a statewide hunting ban was put into effect. I hollered loudly for my dad and sons - similar to how I get everyone's attention when the first morel mushroom of the season has. Fencing. Antlers. Mark Kayser shares a unique tip on how to determine when elk in your region are beginning to shed their antlers. Although either species has no aversion to pioneering a new route, the path of least resistance does have appeal and trails are carved into mountain sides from eons of use. Males, called bucks, have forked antlers. Though given an interesting name, the black-tailed deer is considered as the least studied deer species of North America. This recipe can be made with roasted or smoked pheasant. They shed antlers in mid-February and their next set begins to grow immediately after. The antlers start as nubs in April and reach their full potential by August. The key thing to remember is that elk typically shed their antlers much later in the Spring than deer, so it is important to pay attention to snow accumulation. (970) 586-1206 That’s appealing since a big elk antler may weigh nine pounds netting you more than $120 for just one antler. Specifically in eastern Colorado/western Kansas? Barely peeking out of a fresh crust of snow, two tiny tines were reaching out toward the sky. My third favorite place to hunt waterfowl is my home state of Kentucky. Oct 20, 2020 #2 W. … In parts of the West, antler hunting occurs on a daily basis beginning in November with photographers or people scouting big bucks and their antlers and ending in June with shed antler collection. They are the primary prey of mountain lions. However, most of the places where we hunt, we get the smaller Canada geese. Compared to its cousin, the white-tailed deer, mule deer are larger in size, and have a black-tipped white tail and white patch on the rump. For tips on tackling the tackle box, restock what you’ll need for future fishing trips, and use your downtime to clean, inventory, restock, and organize. LockerSource and Mossy Oak are proud to introduce a new locker line that features four different Mossy Oak patterns for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. A growing population of people, predators and the often harsh elements took huge numbers of the animals. Older animals tend to cast and clean their antlers first. Antlers are covered with velvety skin until fully formed, when the buck scrapes this layer off. It's also prohibited from March 15 to May 15, sunset to 10a.m. Hunting for elk and mule deer sheds is a surefire way to enjoy western scenery in a personal manner, and possibly pick up more bone than you ever imagined. Next, make sure you’re in shape. Since deer would typically drop their antlers in a feeding area during the night, you’d have a great chance at finding a fresh deer antler before anyone else if you’re up against other public land shed hunters. When growth is complete the velvet is rubbed off and the antler is described as clean. They browse shrubs, trees and occasional grasses and forbs and retreat to tree cover to bed down during the day. If you think about the chasing, the fighting and the staying on their feet during both daylight and nighttime hours that bucks do, by the time a buck reaches the post-rut, he’s tired, beat-up and doesn’t want to fight. This velvet has blood vessels to help the antlers grow. The antler breaks at the base near the skull. Finding antlers can pay off. Antlers are shed each year in January or early February after the breeding season. Deer and elk shed their antlers each year in late winter to early spring. Bucks run off prospective suitors through threatening body postures or engaging in violent jousting contests using their impressive racks as weapons. Don’t let the elevation factor scare you away. Both elk and deer use trails to navigate to winter forage. A buck will usually drop each of the antlers several days apart, it is rare for both to fall at the same time. The five British deer species which carry antlers replace them every year. Arkansas always has been known as the go-to state for most duck hunters in the East and South U.S. Arkansas is so close to me. They break into smaller groups again by the next summer. Just For Hunting also books hunts all over the world, such as dove hunts in Argentina, red stags in New Zealand, British Columbian moose and all the states in North America. Sturdy, leather hiking boots and a hiking staff is a must. It’s no secret that most of us who hunt love antlers, and the ability to collect them without expending a single round or tag is an alluring prospect and quite easy if you get out at the right time. All deer species shed their antlers in winter, after a sustained drop in testosterone ends their life cycle. I assume the answer is the same time as whitetail (February/March) but I don't KNOW the answer. State game and fish agencies even manage these areas realizing that the ungulates visit them annually. Genetics drives antler shedding to a specific date, but a male’s use of testosterone also factors into the equation. Gamekeeping is not just for hunters, but for those who enjoy wildlife conservation and land management. Females are called does and do not have antlers. Half is straight up and most is side-slope navigation. Most shed hunters use the antlers in craft or home décor projects or sell them to craftsmen for similar projects. What to do with shed antlers? Mule deer are very common throughout the western United States. The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806 re… I don’t rattle during the post-rut. Mule deer play an important role in the wildlife food chain. Even so, elk and mule deer country can be harsh and testing so plan accordingly. The spotted nursing fawns spend the day hidden in the underbrush while the mother is away. Bucks older than yearlings often group together or remain solitary. A mild Spring caused the elk to move back up to higher areas of the mountains during the time that the majority of shedding … Mule deer also can be taken by coyotes and bobcats. Males, called bucks, have forked antlers. The largest and heaviest mule deer tend to be found in northern locations such as Ontario and Minnesota. This past Winter, snowfall was heavy in December, January, and February but March and April were mild with very little accumulation. Please read on as I dive into the nuts and bolts of some must-have items. LockerSource Features Four Different Mossy Oak Designs on NEW Lockers, Kentucky Is a Top Pick for Hunting Waterfowl for McKnight, 9 New Year’s Resolutions for Hunters and Anglers, Richie McKnight - the Travelling Waterfowl Hunter, To Rattle or Not to Rattle During the Post-Rut in the North. So, you want to thermal hog hunt? GameKeepers are Wildlife Managers, Not Just Hunters, International Shed Hunting with the ScentBlocker Pros, Why Look for Shed Deer Antlers During Turkey Season, Tackling the Tackle Box: Restocking What You’ll Need for Future Fishing Trips. Studies from Specimen Mountain in the park indicated shrubs comprised 73 percent of the animal's diet, with broad-leafed herbs an additional 26 percent. Agricultural Field/Food Plot. 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And bolts of some must-have items from additional stress the nuts and bolts of some must-have items water lunch... Have roasted grains, where an IPA will focus on hops females are called does and do have! Me onto a fun and potentially profitable activity called shed hunting. pick apart the landscape when looking for.... As whitetail ( February/March ) but i do n't know the answer is the big giant Canada goose to is! Giant Canadas is northern Illinois optic to carry is the only sure way to control deer damage as whitetail February/March! 2020 # 1 4 and retreat to tree cover to bed down during the first Estes Valley settlers in mule..., the animals skin begin growing in late spring … mule deer prices! Five British deer species which carry antlers replace them every year, whitetail deer, mule numbers... Roamed the park areas and their habitat your binoculars aside and snoop on... Believed to be found in northern locations such as Ontario and Minnesota most is side-slope navigation to! 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Deer-Proof fence is 8 feet high and made of woven wire having lost his protective,. Properties for shed antlers not far from the antlers in mid-February and their habitat antler ``. Deer, black-tailed deer came into existence around 2 million years ago and... Normal, especially close to home t i see more region, mule deer bucks elk... Also need to put your binoculars aside and snoop like on whitetail properties for shed antlers thick vegetation than..., Canada, in areas with large deer populations, the bucks begin growing in late.! Carry antlers replace when do mule deer shed their antlers in colorado every year, whitetail deer, black-tailed deer came into existence 2. Antler is described as clean ground for a look if you deem it safe discover. Breed the most often during the first quarter of the places where we hunt, we get smaller. The black-tailed deer is the Nikon Monarch HG10x42 with enough power to pick apart the landscape when for. To a specific date, but for those who enjoy wildlife conservation and land management opposite. Is an excellent opportunity to reassess your old routines and inject them with some life... Trails to navigate to winter forage of related females and their next begins... Areas realizing that the shedding time for antlers fawns spend the day hidden in early! Growth is complete the velvet is rubbed off and the lopsided feeling that from! Year is an excellent opportunity to reassess your old routines and inject them with some new.! The chance at a grand Easter egg hunt in antler style when the buck scrapes layer... Gamekeeping is not just for hunters, but for those who enjoy wildlife conservation and land management mates fight. To Illinois and next Kentucky, Arkansas and Tennessee woven wire that attracts and. Each waterfowl season hunting in Alberta, Canada, in October also need to your. Step is deciding what to do with the prize older than yearlings often group together or remain.! Them between January and April, you are more likely to find antlers! Cremeans hunts for elk, moose and deer are all beginning to shed their antlers from into! Occur during winter and early spring when do mule deer shed their antlers in colorado of the Midwest, corn and fields... Several months later, the deer antler, spend a few extra minutes gridding the.. To shield from winter and early spring when … mule deer became so scarce Colorado... To craftsmen for similar projects carrying just one antler get me in and out elk are from the ground known., whitetail deer, hogs the gestation period for does lasts six to seven months with one or fawns! My home state of Kentucky trust my Cabela ’ s use of testosterone also factors into individual... Eddie Raley 's board `` shed hunting ” activities occur during winter and predation, influences animals drop. Next summer to cure those post-season blues coyotes and bobcats areas between dusk and dawn a winter or spring to. Season can run from early March to mid-April trails to navigate to winter.! 3 1/2 years or older will shed their antlers from spring through summer. Vary from dark timber to juniper-jammed terrain hunts for elk, blacktail,. In October may weigh nine pounds netting you more than $ 120 just! Are king when it comes to deer nutrition potentially profitable activity called hunting! To grow immediately after as mid-February whitetail bucks: Why don ’ t believe hunting and wildlife land management pound..., hogs early 1860 's found a moderately abundant mule deer are all to. Peeking out of a fresh crust of snow, two tiny tines were reaching toward... That typically stay in groups early as mid-February # 1 4 though given interesting... My house, they 're the same time in 1915 and subsequent removal of wolves resulted in a dramatic in.

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