My introduction to antler hunting was a parody. Seventeen elk sheds the first year and ten the second led me to think I had found a honey hole. Assuming the following years would produce equally high yields I sold many of them to a local chandelier builder. $350 was the reward – I had hoped for $900.
The secret spot was discovered the third spring. Snowmobiles and four-wheelers had scavenged the place. I witnessed two individuals chase down a six point bull on their four-wheelers, hooting and hollering, trying to get him to drop his antlers. Their arrogance and lack of respect disgusted me. Ethics should play a role in all types of hunting.
I’ve been shed hunting for eight years now. After the grandeur of the first two years, I’ve come to value the antlers I find a whole lot more. The sentimental value of each one, even if it’s chewed up, has more worth than the money they fetch. Although the chewed up sheds usually do become dog bones.
My house is loaded with deer and elk antlers. They are the primary decorative piece, despite my family’s and roommate’s objection. In my kitchen alone there are twenty two … READ MORE >
