Shed Antlers

From WildernessWiki.org

Shed Antlers, usually known simply as "sheds," are the old antlers from bucks that fall off during the late winter. Bucks, (male deer) grow a new pair of antlers each year. The last pair simply falls to the ground, and is ignored by almost every creature. However, humans and small mammals both have a keen interest in the discarded crown of the regal buck. Mice, squirrels and other small creatures gnaw on the old antlers during the winter, in order to stimulate their calcium levels. Humans, on the other hand, go "shed hunting" to use old antlers for numerous crafts, projects or simply as rustic decoration.

Generally, the prime time for shed hunting is in the early spring, when the snow is just beginning to melt. Most bucks have lost their antlers by now, but the little critters have not decimated them too badly. Late February through early April usually yield the highest amount of undamaged antlers. Shed hunting is often combined with other outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, geocaching or other activities that put the hunter in the woods with the deer. Keep your eyes on the ground, and concentrate out the outline of things. It is very difficult to pick out a neutral-brown antler from the neutral-brown forest floor. Concentrate especially on deer paths that lead through low, thick cover, where antlers are often pulled from the bucks head shortly before they would normally fall.

Use the following photos as an exercise, to warm your eyes up and key yourself in on picking fallen antlers out of their surroundings.

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