Here’s a dandy shed antler I found in northern Idaho.
It is the season in Northern Idaho for finding antlers. Whitetail bucks and moose are currently swapping out antlers for rest, sunshine and high carbohydrate based food sources. Elk will follow here in a couple months. With that being said, antlers will be on the ground where these bucks/bulls are recuperating from the rut and surviving the onset of winter. The 2014 winter so far has been extremely light in snow accumulation and cold temperatures in my neck of the woods. A welcomed and needed swing from the harsh winters that were so hard on the herds just before the end of the decade. As far as shed hunting goes, it serves as an excellent form of exercise and scouting for the upcoming seasons and it’s a great antidote to cabin fever. Get out, get some fresh air and tromp around in the outdoors. Layer up with poly based clothing, stay away from cotton, sport water proof boots and carry a day pack with all the essentials for staying the night if need be. I personally pack a side arm on all shed outings. Finally, pack plenty of water! It’s crucial to staying hydrated on all day hikes in the mountains, remember, this isn’t flat land and the antlers are often up high. 8-10 plus miles a day for dedicated shed hunters is quite common.
Here in the west, Idaho specifically, wolf and mountain lion season is open as well. Just make sure you have your 2014 license and tags with you. You never know what you might run across. Pay close attention to “right now” food sources and to where deer are retreating to their beds. Tracks in the snow will detail daily movements. In and around these routes you will find antlers. The snow levels are low this year and deer are hanging out much higher than normal in a lot of regions and or deeper in the canyons. Sheds tend to be less concentrated during these El Nino winters. Best of luck and who know’s maybe you will walk up on something like what I have pictured in this report and he may just become your targeted Nextbuk!