Americana Outdoors E-Magazine - May 2020

TIPS FOR SHED HUNTING

During the rut, a buck’s testosterone shoots through the roof as they chase does to continue their genetic line. After the rut is over their testosterone levels drop which activates a cell called osteoclasts . These cells eat away at the pedicle resulting in deer shedding their antlers. Not only does a buck’s testosterone level drop but so does their weight, towards the end of the rut and into the spring is a critical time to ramp up your protein and mineral efforts to replenish the herd and get them back to a healthy weight. WHEN DO DEER SHED THEIR ANTLERS? Deer drop antlers at all different times depending on where they live. Some as late as April in Texas. Some as early as late December in other areas. Extreme cold or even snow can shock your deer’s system to dropping sheds earlier. Your healthier

It’s that sad time of year where you’ve received your last load of venison for the season, or maybe you’re going to bed with dreams and trail camera pictures in your head of the one that got away hoping that you’ll finally cross paths next season. So what is an avid deer hunter to do between now and then? Well, there’s always shed hunting. Shed hunting gives you an inside look into your deer herd. You can cross-reference sheds you’ve found to your trail camera pictures to see if that buck on your list made it through the season, or better yet there’s a new deer in your area! Before we get into some tips and strategy that we use to find sheds, let’s answer the questions of why and when deer drop their antlers. WHY DO DEER SHED THEIR ANTLERS?