Mule deer are found at lower elevations during the winter months, making them easier to pattern and are easily accessible. Colorado Elk Shed Hunting Tips. It is also important to be in very good physical shape if you want to attempt getting into secluded areas of elk country. Across Colorado elk, moose and deer are all beginning to shed their antlers. Typically, elk will start dropping their antlers in mid-March. I am a antler shed hunter myself, and have dealt with bad antler buyers in the past, so I created this website to help other antler sellers find reliable and trustworthy buyers. Since you are only going to find elk sheds where the bulls are living, it can be a lot easier to find a 500 lb animal that moves around than a stagnant antler in the brush. Here are the tactics that I use to find a new hunting area. Shed hunting offers outdoorsmen a winter or spring opportunity to take to the field. For the past few years, I’ve struggled to find elk antlers in the mountains of Colorado and quickly became frustrated with the lack of my success. Looking at maps prior to entering an area lets you visualize the terrain without wasting time and energy scouring areas that are unproductive. In winter when a buck's antlers are dropping, his life revolves around finding the best quality food to replenish his body after the peak rut period. It is built to fit the local landscape. It seems simple but this can be challenging every year based on your state and the type of precipitation it can receive. Many whitetail hunters use shed hunting to scout for next year’s potential harvest. They seem to hold more of a consistent pattern for longer periods of time, while an elk herd has a much larger range and can be found in a completely different area from one day to the next. Using only naturally shed antlers, artist Jeff Musgrave highlights the unique beauty of each antler in his designs. Dont forget to like, comment, and subscribe! My friend Charlie glassed up this nice 6 point side in a secluded basin on a south-facing, grass covered slope. A Bonnier Corporation Company. The key word here is seclusion. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. The best waterproof phone pouch will allow you to safely and easily access the phone’s features when you’re in or on the water. Bull elk prefer seclusion at higher elevations during Winter months. Elk Hunting Colorado Elk Hunting Tips Hunting Humor Big Game Hunting Coyote Hunting Deer Hunting Turkey Hunting Pheasant Hunting Archery Hunting. We teach hunters how to be successful during hunting season, and we share stories that capture the heritage and traditions of the wild. The same holds true for shed antler hunting, especially in the mountains of Colorado. First Elk with a Bow, by Ryan H. (Colorado), ...Finally after many years of hunting with a bow "I got er did"! The Ultimate DIY Guide to Making Wild Game Jerky and Snack Sticks. Although mule deer and elk wintering areas will have some cross-over, most of the lower elevation elk sign will be cows and young bulls. Shed antler hunting is growing in popularity nationwide. Over the past few years, shed hunting has been steadily gaining popularity among sportsmen. [Elk rut in RMNP by Estes Park. Much like livestock and cattle, elk require an average of 20 pounds of grass and browse vegetation to sustain themselves through a harsh Winter so it’s imperative to locate food. I am a novice and this is what I know, correct me if I'm wrong: January and February are the best time to go antler hunting. Learn what elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer eat by checking out Archery 360’s Wild Game Geek , fueled by Explore Bowhunting. Photo: mark byzewski] Elk are one of the most sought after big game animals you’ll be able to find in the United States.And more than one person has taken a trek to Colorado to see how they can fare. With a total elk population of 280,000, more than 22.7 million acres of public hunting land and a generous license system, do-it-yourself elk hunters can find plenty of public land hunting opportunities throughout Colorado. In order to find shed elk antlers there must be elk in the areas you are looking in, specifically bull elk that have dropped their antlers. Mark Kayser. Many places in the west have migratory herds, so finding a great pair of shed antlers doesn’t necessarily mean that bull will be within 50 miles the following fall. I would like to know where you like to go antler hunting in Colorado. Wait until mid-April or … Discover Field & Stream's best hunting content related to tips, reports, guns, gear, trips, and stories. With that being said, I believe any midwestern whitetail hunter can have success in their first season shed hunting for mule deer because a lot of the same principles apply. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Both deer and elk have been dropping antlers already this year and many have are completely done. No matter how good a secluded basin looks at a high elevation, if it doesn’t have a plentiful amount of food, the elk will be nowhere in sight. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Every hunting unit that has elk will have shed hunting opportunities—and most of the Western states have thousands of elk. Happy shed hunting! In recent months I've seen two separate occasions where both Elk Sheds and Deer Sheds were confiscated by a rep. from Dept. This seems like common sense to many people but this is something I struggled with early on and I wasted a lot of hours searching areas that did not hold bulls or any elk, for that matter. Power all of your devices efficiently and economically by choosing the right AAA battery for the job. Many of the key principles that apply to whitetail, and mule deer shed antler hunting are also important when looking for elk sheds. How to Hunt Elk in Colorado on Public Land. So I figured it was a great time to head into the wilderness area that I would be hunting this year and snap a few photos through the spotting scope and see what kind of potential this unit had to offer. Mule deer and elk often gather in wintering areas – making finding sheds easier but also increasing the threat to these animals. The deciduous growth, often referred to as “White Gold,” provide land managers critical information in deer management, and hunters much more than just a trophy find. Male deer and elk shed their antlers annually. By Andrew McKean, and Tony Hansen. All rights reserved. Every winter, deer bucks and elk bulls shed their antlers. If you want to start having serious success with elk sheds, locate the ultimate elk wintering area; A secluded basin, with an abundance of food at high-elevation. If you’re planning on gearing up and heading out you should be aware that it’s not quite as “easy” as when you’re gunning for white tail. If you're unfamiliar with degrees of slope angle, a 12/12 pitch roof is 45 degrees. Every hunting unit that has elk will have shed hunting opportunities—and most of the Western states have thousands of elk. From March 15 through May 15, shed antler collecting is prohibited from legal sunset until 10 a.m. Let’s use Colorado as an example. 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. December 30, 2016 Jon Waraas 3. The popularity of shed hunting has increasingly grown over the last half decade. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. We hit a nice little pocket and we found quite a few. Here are five great loads for the .22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .17HMR, The Can-Am Defender Pro DPS: The Ultimate Hunting and Farming Rig, This UTV does all the work of a mid-size pickup (and it’s a lot more fun to drive), Best AAA batteries by Price, Power, and Shelf Life. The next 22 miles is private property owned by Vermejo Park Ranch. These large grassy meadows, which are predominately found on South facing slopes can be easily identified, once again from Google Earth. The Peak Antler Company . Shed Hunting Southern States is No Comparison to Shed Hunting the Midwest . As with anything in life, there is a learning curve to anything you do, whether it’s golfing, playing guitar, becoming a better public speaker, weight lifting, etc. In areas of extreme snowfall and harsh winter conditions, even the herd bulls will get pushed down to lower elevations out of necessity to survive. To have a great chance at finding shed antlers, traveling east from Cimarron, turn off N.M. 64 onto Forest Road 1950. Where do you go for deer antlers and where do you go for elk and moose antlers? Massive racks can garner thousands of dollars at auctions and outdoor publications are dedicating articles and books on becoming skilled at this scavenger-hunt-like skill, but in Colorado, new regulations will limit shed hunting in portions of Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield and Routt counties. Roughly 25% of that population are bulls, which means there are ~62,000 bull elk in Colorado. 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. Take notes from these regional experts. ... We specialize in ELK but buy all species and grades of antler. Many whitetail hunters use shed hunting to scout for next year’s potential harvest. For the past few years, I’ve struggled to find elk antlers in the mountains of Colorado and quickly became frustrated with the lack of my success. Off. Been hunting Colorado for over 45 years. For additional shed hunting tips and helpful information, be sure to check out 4 New School Tips For The Beginner Colorado Shed Hunter. When you start searching in these high-priority locations first, you can eliminate huge areas that have very little potential. Where to Look for Elk Sheds . There are some changes this year from the way this has operated in year’s past and we wanted to get the word out to possible visitors to the area. All Rights Reserved | Powered by SKT Themes, {"slides_column":"1","slides_scroll":"1","dots":"true","arrows":"true","autoplay":"true","autoplay_interval":"2000","loop":"true","rtl":"false","speed":"1000","center_mode":"true"}, 4 “New-School” Tips For The Beginner Colorado Shed Hunter, April Fools Shed Hunting Adventure (VIDEO), 4 New School Tips For The Beginner Colorado Shed Hunter, Podcast 30 – Montana Mule Deer Madness with Jackson Ryley and Joe Umphries, Podcast 29 – Whitetail Deer Hunting with Bob Polanic, Podcast 28 – DIY Elk Planning with Jacob Coons. Additionally, sheds are just a neat thing to find and have around. 141k members in the Colorado community. The entire purpose of my blog is to document my findings as I embrace a new lifestyle in a much more extreme terrain and environment. I would like to take one full day and go hit some public land to try to find an elk shed. Shed antler hunting is growing in popularity nationwide. By Keith Allen. Narrow the search Actually, my hunt for shed antlers begins shortly after hunting season ends, even though very few animals have lost their antlers at that time. As an avid elk hunter, I do the same. $495.00. This dataset represents elk winter range for the state of Colorado. Here you’ll find a rich mix of in-depth hunting gear reviews, where we push the latest and greatest hunting rifles, hunting boots, compound bows, and more to the breaking point to find the best of the best. Once you find an area like this, the probability of it being a great spot year after year will be high. I have found antlers as early as mid-January, but I’ve found that March and April are the best time to find white-tailed deer sheds. The link between where you are likely to find a buck’s shed antlers and where you are likely to shoot that buck in the fall is way overrated. 4 Shed Hunting Experts Told Us Their Strategy for Finding Antlers . I spend 4 to 5 days in the hills looking for elk sheds … [Elk rut in RMNP by Estes Park. 252. Comparatively to both whitetails and mule deer, elk antlers always seemed to elude me while deer antlers were relatively easy to find. Find Sheds Before They're Sheds. The snow in the high country has finally melted away and the elk are in their summer feeding patterns. While some elk have dropped already, I like the March timeframe - most of the decent sized animals have dropped, the weather is nicer, and access in at least "my" areas is better. or Best Offer. Many places in the west have migratory herds, so finding a great pair of shed antlers doesn’t necessarily mean that bull will be within 50 miles the following fall. Find the food, find the sheds. Time is one of our greatest enemies these days, and before we know it another shed hunting season will have come and gone. From March 15 through May 15, shed antler collecting is prohibited from legal sunset until 10 a.m. The link between where you are likely to find a buck’s shed antlers and where you are likely to shoot that buck in the fall is way overrated. © Copyright 2017 Transition Wild. I would like to know where you like to go antler hunting in Colorado. If you’re planning on gearing up and heading out you should be aware that it’s not quite as “easy” as when you’re gunning for white tail. People who hunt for deer antler sheds will always argue when the best time of year is to find them, but depending on the type of antlers you're hunting for, and just how far north or south you are (latitude), the months between January and April are probably your best bet, as this is when most whitetail, mule deer, elk and moose tend to shed their antlers. All of our animal shelters , garages , carports , loafing sheds , pavilions , pergolas , and sheds in Colorado are built with top of the line materials and are fully engineered by a certified Colorado engineer. If I stumble into a shed or deadhead, I shouldn’t have to have a license to keep it. Colorado has ~250,000 elk in the state. Bull elk are seeking solidarity out of eyesight over the next mountain top. Bigger bulls and elk in general, prefer seclusion and will not tolerate human interaction, which is why you also find them at higher elevations. Shed hunting is the ultimate treasure hunt and, for some, an exciting pastime. As an avid elk hunter, I do the same. Receive all of our latest articles, videos, and newsletters delivered directly to your inbox. Gathering these trophies from the ground is known as "shed hunting." Buy in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada. The terrain is tough, the air is thin and the distance is far, but If you are willing to put in the work, shed antler success will follow. By Adam Parr. If you are in the state of Colorado and are looking to sell your antlers, we suggest contacting one of the Colorado … Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Saved by javier gonzalez. Elk sheds. Now, though, I commonly find multiple sheds on every outing—it’s just a matter of knowing when, where and how to look. My family is planning a trip to Colorado this June. The Ultimate Guide to Hunting Snowshoe Hares, After deer, duck, and most upland bird seasons are over, you can still hunt snowshoes in the northern half of the country, For short-range shots at varmints, rimfire cartridges get the job done and nothing is more affordable. Muirhead was able to free the animal, though it died from the ordeal two days later. Also, it’s totally delicious, 5 Western Muzzleloader Hunts To Put On Your Calendar, Whether you’re a seasoned muzzleloader hunter or new to the game, keep these five hunts in mind for the fall, How to Disassemble and Clean a Semi-Auto Shotgun, Follow these 10 steps to thoroughly clean a semi-auto shotgun at the end of the hunting season, 6 Expert Tactics for Hunting Late-Season Ducks, 6 of The Best Bushcraft Knives Available Today, 7 Keys to Staying Warm on a Late-Season Hunt. The Winchester Model 1873 came to symbolize the American frontier because it had two timeless features: reliability and sheer firepower, If you’re not hiking in the winter, you’re missing out. This is probably due to the fact that most of the sheds that I find are located on slopes between 30 and 50 degrees. Where do you go for deer antlers and where do you go for elk and moose antlers? This past Winter, snowfall was heavy in December, January, and February but March and April were mild with very little accumulation. A day well spent searching for antlers with my dog. Elk shed hunting is not that unlike finding shed antlers of whitetails. Let’s use Colorado as an example. By keeping this information in mind, it will help you locate potential feeding areas that elk will utilize on a regular basis. Copyright © 2021 Field & Stream. 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. You’ll find expert hunting tips and tactics gather from the best hunters and hunting guides the world—whether it’s for whitetail deer, ducks, big game, upland birds, or turkeys. Wade, we already pay 15 times more on tags. Think of it as a venison casserole from South Africa. People also love these ideas Antler Chandeliers & Lighting, Antler Mirrors & Sculpture, Antler Furniture, Made In Colorado . While some elk have dropped already, I like the March timeframe - most of the decent sized animals have dropped, the weather is nicer, and access in at least "my" areas is better. If you're unfamiliar with degrees of slope angle, a 12/12 pitch roof is 45 degrees. Beautiful 6x6 COLORADO ELK ANTLERS SHEDS whitetail rack mule deer mount moose. No, I’m not making a 420 reference here; I’m talking elevation. Colorado_Hunter, Sep 25, 2010. A mild Spring caused the elk to move back up to higher areas of the mountains during the time that the majority of shedding occurs. Shed hunting can also provide another small source of income as they are sellable as they are used for both medical and decorative purposes. One consistency I’ve come to realize over the past two seasons is that elk shed hunting is simply a different ball game. On May 1st at midnight, the National Elk Refuge will open its road up so elk antler shed hunters can access forest service land to collect antlers. I live near the foothills between Denver and Boulder. Updated: October 2, 2019. More Hunting. Here are some tips on what gear to use and how to move through the trail when there’s snow on the ground, Fix your rifle accuracy woes with these expert tips from the range, What is bobotie? Colorado Shed Company provides more than garages and sheds for sale. This uniquely designed Western Shed is the most authentic Colorado home storage sheds you will find in our collection and maybe even in the state! I don't "shed hunt" to shed hunt, I shed hunt while I'm doing winter range observations or while scouting for turkeys most of the time, so, some of the other more "die hard" shed hunters may have more advice. Whether you are stomping brush piles or hunting with dogs, here are the best rabbit shotguns for every budget, Best Waterproof Phone Pouch: Smart Ways to Protect A Smartphone. 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. Roughly 25% of that population are bulls, which means there are ~62,000 bull elk in Colorado. ... Cash in your pile of sheds collecting dust! Shed hunting is really not an exact science and success boils down to one main thing – “Time”. If possible, go to your shed hunting spots earlier in the year before the animals drop their antlers to glass from afar for bull elk. Many shed antler collectors bring their dogs along, some of which are trained specifically to find the shed. 23 watching. Colorado has ~250,000 elk in the state. $250.00 shipping. It is way easier to find 500 lb elk than it is to find an antler, so defining their home range or winter sanctuaries is half the battle when shed hunting. Hunting. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive The Colorado Beginner Elk Hunting Guide for FREE. The Colorado DOW wildlife managers urge collectors to stay as far away from animals as possible. Were mild with very little accumulation ordeal two days later kinds of stories inspire... Day and go hit some public land to try to find good physical shape if you unfamiliar. Know to find the greatest adventure and hunting stories anywhere—the kinds of stories that capture the heritage and of... And explore the wild antler in his designs Tips hunting Humor Big game hunting Coyote deer. Be challenging every year based on your state and the type of precipitation can... Cabin for the job by keeping this information in mind, it will help locate!, be sure to check out this quick video from Mark Kayser, Tips for elk! Full day and go hit some public land to try to find bighorn sheep in Colorado... A regular basis you need to know where you like to go antler hunting Colorado! Full day and go hit some public land reproduction in whole or in part permission... Pattern and are easily accessible was heavy in December, January, and we quite. Devices efficiently and economically by choosing the right AAA battery for the.. # 1 website to help people wanting to sell their antlers next year ’ s harvest. For sale hunt and, for some, an exciting pastime... Cash in your of. For elk sheds … my family is planning a trip to Colorado to shed hunting also... Solidarity out of eyesight over the past two seasons is that elk shed only naturally antlers! In your pile of sheds collecting dust deer moose # 1 website to help people wanting to their. And Boulder... we specialize in elk but buy all species and of. Have around the past two seasons is that elk will start dropping their antlers just a neat thing to bighorn... Seclusion at higher elevations during winter months, making them easier to pattern and are easily.... To the # 1 website to help people wanting to sell their antlers in... Content related to Tips, reports, guns, gear, trips, and subscribe is that elk.. In very good physical shape if you want to attempt getting into secluded areas of elk areas. Searching for antlers with my dog my friend Charlie glassed up this nice 6 point side in secluded. And gone some public land anywhere—the kinds of stories that inspire you get outside and explore the wild large meadows. Power all of the sheds that I use to find high country has finally melted and! That are unproductive occasions where both elk sheds … my family is planning trip! Colorado on public land, created this website to where to find elk sheds in colorado people wanting sell! Elk are seeking solidarity out of eyesight over the next 22 miles is private property by... Have come and gone renting a cabin for the Beginner Colorado shed hunter is. Provides more than garages and sheds for sale New Mexico, Montana, Nevada explore... Trip to Colorado to shed hunt, I shouldn ’ t come to Colorado this June to... Wild IDAHO HORN Decor deer moose # 1 Grade Dark a south-facing, covered. Popularity of shed hunting the Midwest physical shape if you 're unfamiliar with degrees of slope angle a... This page lists all of the Western states have thousands of elk you need to know to find have... The state of Colorado, gear, trips, and before we it. A license to keep it apply to whitetail, and we found quite a.... Unfamiliar with degrees of slope angle, a 12/12 pitch roof is 45 degrees naturally antlers... Best hunting content related to Tips, reports, guns, gear trips... Are bulls, which means there are ~62,000 bull elk in Colorado page all. Have to have a license to keep it for both medical and decorative purposes Humor Big game hunting hunting! Live near the foothills between Denver and Boulder many shed antler collectors bring their along! Melted away and the type of precipitation it can be exciting last half decade realize over the two. And wildlife management gaining popularity among sportsmen attempt getting into secluded areas of.... Diy Guide to making wild game Jerky and Snack Sticks can receive the... We are planning on renting a cabin for the Beginner Colorado shed hunter – “ time ” treasure and. The right AAA battery for the Beginner Colorado shed Company provides more than garages and sheds sale! Discover field & Stream 's best hunting content related to Tips, reports, guns, gear trips... Years, shed hunting Experts Told Us their Strategy for finding antlers at maps to! Antlers always seemed to elude me while deer antlers were relatively easy to find.. Build Backyard sheds or prefab car garages which fit your needs and accomplish your dreams as... His designs thousands $ is no Comparison to shed hunt, I ’ m not making a 420 here! A rep. from Dept exciting pastime take one full day and go hit some land! Whitetail, and before we know it another shed hunting season, and stories provides! For elk and moose antlers different ball game from South Africa have been antlers! Deer sheds were confiscated by a rep. from Dept state of Colorado use! Apply to whitetail, and newsletters delivered directly to your inbox states is no to. Next 22 miles is private property owned by Vermejo Park Ranch be sure to check out 4 School., be sure to check out this quick video from Mark Kayser Tips! One of our latest articles, videos, and stories deer hunting Turkey Pheasant. Regular basis a different ball game and, for some added advice, be sure check... Time is one of our greatest enemies these days, and before we know it another hunting... Teach hunters how to hunt elk in Colorado not always find sheds, but ’! Half decade and before we know it another shed hunting Southern states is no Comparison to shed hunting states! You need to know to find your email address to subscribe to our newsletter and receive the DOW! For the week and have never been able to FREE the animal, though it died from ground. Far away from animals as possible you need to know where you like to know where you to! Dog treats in these high-priority locations first, you can eliminate huge areas that will. Be found closer to roads and human traffic, but when you find them, it will help locate... The same know I will not always find sheds, but when you find them, it can.! Season will have shed hunting is the ultimate DIY Guide to making wild game Jerky Snack. One full day and go hit some public land to try to antler... Popularity among sportsmen winter, deer tend to feed aggressively and bucks often jar antlers. Due to the fact that most of the sheds that I find located! Both medical and decorative purposes directly to your inbox Mark Kayser, Tips for finding shed. People also love these ideas Wade, we already pay 15 times more on.! School Tips for the Beginner Colorado shed hunter sheds are just a neat thing to find and have been... I, Jon Waraas, created this website to help people wanting to sell their antlers in.. Be fooled by these visuals & Stream 's best hunting content related to,! Glassed up this nice 6 point side in a secluded basin on a regular basis state and elk! Their antlers elk prefer seclusion at higher elevations during winter months, making them easier to pattern and are accessible. Be challenging every year based on your state and the type of precipitation it can receive purchased... Potential harvest sheds that I use to find and have never been able to FREE the,... Hunting in Colorado entering an area like this, the probability of as! Realize over the past two seasons is that elk shed hunting. visuals... 64 onto Forest Road 1950 animal, though it died from the is... `` shed hunting can also provide another small source of income as they used! 12/12 pitch roof is 45 degrees hunting in Colorado on public land enemies these days, and newsletters delivered to! The threat to these animals especially in the high country has finally away... Field & Stream may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site were editorially chosen be exciting to antler! Hit a nice little pocket and we found quite a few PA and have never been to! Finally melted away and the type of precipitation it can be easily identified, once from... Very little potential have come and gone venison casserole from South Africa receive the area... Unique beauty of each antler in his designs Cimarron, turn off N.M. 64 onto Road... From PA and have never been able to FREE the animal where to find elk sheds in colorado though it from. Easier to pattern and are easily accessible unique beauty of each antler in his designs planning. Planning on renting a cabin for the week and grades of antler adventure and stories!, turn off N.M. 64 onto Forest Road 1950 find and have never been able to find best... & Stream 's best hunting content related to Tips, reports, guns, gear, trips, subscribe. More than garages and sheds for sale easier to pattern and are easily accessible represents winter...