At the CPW Commission's January meeting, both the commissioners and members of the public noted they had seen a big increase in shed hunting around the state. Colorado. Here is a list of 10 tips that will help you have a successful and safe trip. Close. Are they moving quickly or are they taking more of a slow, strategic approach? This year we are trying out a new unit to us. I've been shed hunting for a few years, in the area I hunt in the majority of the bulls start dropping in late march and even more in early to mid april. For some added advice, be sure to check out this quick video from Mark Kayser, Tips For Finding Elk Shed Antlers. The key word here is seclusion. – Learn elk sign, and how to identify what is fresh and what it all means. Going too late and you risk tall spring grass that makes it harder to spot antlers. Mule deer are found at lower elevations during the winter months, making them easier to pattern and are easily accessible. Every hunting unit that has elk will have shed hunting opportunities—and most of the Western states have thousands of elk. 31 D.I.Y. We had bulls from 10 feet to 10 yards away that never saw us until we moved. 31 D.I.Y. Success in elk hunting is the culmination of all these aspects coming together, working together like a well-oiled machine. By this point, you should have a basic idea of the best elk hunting tips to get you started. Some shed hunters search for sheds with the intention of selling them, while others use sheds to help plan hunts for the following year. 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. News Reader. Many whitetail hunters use shed hunting to scout for next year’s potential harvest. We attempted to ambush them in a known grazing location, and basically wasted an entire day watching a herd of elk that were in a prime spot to stalk in and get a kill. Posted by 1 day ago. e.g. Most shed hunters use the antlers in craft or home … May 16, 2019 #1 blacksheep Member. Looking at maps prior to entering an area lets you visualize the terrain without wasting time and energy scouring areas that are unproductive. 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. 9 6 69. My bag for my eight-day trip was right around 60 lbs. For this trip, I wore smart wool underwear, and wool base layers and socks/sock liners. Change ). Nowadays, this big game hunting opportunity, despite limited elk seasons, has gathered momentum on the wish list of American and other hunters. June 2020. Shedding happens with a loss of testosterone, so an early rut is a good indicator that … We lost our tents in the snow, and were stuck sleeping in a hotel for 4 days. Be patient, be persistent and be willing to work for it. As an avid elk hunter, I do the same. Thread starter SD_Prairie_Goat; Start date Mar 18, 2019; Mar 18, 2019 #1 SD_Prairie_Goat Well-known member. 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. I have hunted in South Dakota since graduating from College and moving from Alaska. In Oklahoma there are several places to go hunt for elk sheds on pubic land without even leaving the state. Last week, in a unanimous decision, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to close all public lands west of I-25 to shed hunters through April 30, KOAA.com reports. Photo: Mike Eckley/TNC. A mild Spring caused the elk to move back up to higher areas of the mountains during the time that the majority of shedding … 5 Tips For Beginning Elk Hunters. I had precisely calculated 4000 calories a day of food, and maybe ate 2000 to 2500 of it a day. SW Colorado Bull. Gathering these trophies from the ground is known as "shed hunting." By keeping this information in mind, it will help you locate potential feeding areas that elk will utilize on a regular basis. I share many tips and tricks on shed hunting in the “Anyone’s Hunt: Shed Hunting” film. Mar 12, 2019 - Explore Bryan Gron's board "Elk hunting tips" on Pinterest. This will be a DIY type hunt. But it’s mysteries like these that keep me hunting sheds. 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. Always be hunting. That makes the eastern forest prime shed hunting territory. Also if you are willing to help out where do you l. Bowsite.com. Please click here to check out and subscribe to the SurvivalCommonSense.com YouTube channel – thanks! Unit 86. I will actually be doing some shed hunting tips and videos on Outdoorlife Live Hunt. Keep it simple and you’ll be better off. (Editor’s note: AMEN!!!) And for additional information on elk shed-hunting techniques, see “The Art of Elk Antler Collecting.” Antler and Horn Collection Regulations: Antler collectors and all people recreating in Colorado are reminded that shed antler and horn collecting is prohibited on all public lands west of I-25 from March 2 through April 30. How to pitch a tarp to survive in heavy winds, Winter storms: What to do when the power goes off and it’s icy cold outside, Edible plants video: How to tell look-alike poison iris from cattails, My dad rescued this shotgun from a pile of captured Nazi weapons that were supposed to be destroyed. – Be aggressive with Elk. Posted on September 19, 2014 by coloradooutdoorscontributor Over ... As a result, when someone asks me about elk hunting in Colorado the first thing I mention is getting in shape, even if they already appear to be generally fit. I have Zamberlins™, I’ve had them for years, they kick ass. 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. New to the forum, so be nice! I always hear the stories of the hunters who call in 40+ elk in a season and don’t get a chance to put their tag on one. – Sock liners are amazing and cheap, cost nothing in weight, and protect your feet. List of Elk Hunting Blogs. You might be tempted to only hike in the daylight, but you are missing valuable opportunities by not getting in the woods before daylight, and sitting there until after dark. Here’s a quick elk hunting guide to help you lead from the front. White-tailed deer are over-abundant in the eastern forest, and well adapted to humans. So for me, I knew that Mountain Country passed the elk test. It is also important to be in very good physical shape if you want to attempt getting into secluded areas of elk country. … He has some great insights on gear and hunting philosophy. The elk disappeared after that. April 2nd, 2011, was one of my best days shed hunting for elk antlers, also probably one of the most physically demanding days I’ve ever spent in the mountains. – Crocs, pack them, just do it. We had plenty of elk come in really close and not be able to see us. Six big-game experts share their secrets for finding, stalking, and killing big bulls on public land. 2017 Colorado Archery Elk Season Recap - Part 1, The One That Got Away: 3 Takeaways From Wounding An Elk, Transitioning From a Deer Hunter to a Mature Buck Hunter, Sitka Gear Layering System For Colorado Archery Elk Hunting, Digital Scouting For Elk In Colorado (VIDEO), A Mediocre Hunter Attempts to Take a Turkey, Planning and Preparing for a DIY, OTC Archery Elk Hunt in Colorado, The Clueless Midwestern Hunter’s Guide to Out of State Deer Hunting - Part 2, 4 New School Tips For The Beginner Colorado Shed Hunter. Public land hunting, however, can be difficult as many hunters will travel to Colorado … Now, you can’t just take any hunting dog out to the woods and expect a pickup bed full or antlers. I don’t come to Colorado to shed hunt, I come to hunt elk, deer and bear and spend thousands $. I went with my buddy Isaac, and we found over 20 elk sheds, 14 of which were worth keeping. That doesn’t mean that you don’t need to practice and improve, but don’t let your calling ability be a reason for a lack of confidence in the elk woods. – Put a winch on your truck if you can afford it. – Don’t skimp on boots at all. Search where others won’t. If not, get a come along and long chains or straps. I have hunted elk before in wyoming once before, but never saw an elk after a weeks worth of walking around. is from Nathan Cossey, who completed his first Over The Counter tag archery elk hunt in Colorado. It was warm, we sweated a lot, and they never smelled like synthetic does. Wyoming. We wasted a lot of time in areas that just don’t hold elk, and after a day of hiking and not seeing a single animal or sign, we figured ALOT out. Get Ready for Elevation Elk herd rests in the high country. Elk sheds. Bigger bulls and elk in general, prefer seclusion and will not tolerate human interaction, which is why you also find them at higher elevations. 2,018 likes. When do any of you go looking to find Elk sheds? Wade, we already pay 15 times more on tags. Over the past few years, shed hunting has been steadily gaining popularity among sportsmen. I've found plenty in Spavinaw and if you live in the central part of the state just go to the Wichita Mountains, thousands of elk there. – Pack a small sliver of soap. We made a TON of friends from all over the country. – Spend a ton of time in your pack, and do your hikes with the clothes you plan to wear and the gear you will carry. Colorado Shed Hunters. Nathan Cossey during his Colorado elk hunt. This past Winter, snowfall was heavy in December, January, and February but March and April were mild with very little accumulation. The elk (Cervus canadensis) is considered to be among the largest species in the deer family, Cervidae. Instead of walking a ridge line, which is where most people walk, drop off the ridge 30 yards. Best trail shoe? Here are some of my favorite tips for a successful elk hunt. Every winter, deer bucks and elk bulls shed their antlers. We are planning on renting a cabin for the week. Whenever you are shed hunting with someone who has more experience than you, pay close attention as to how they navigate the terrain and how they scan the landscape in front of them. But where, when, and how I have found elk and deer in the Colorado Rockies has become consistent. If you plan enough in advance, you can use the topography to guide your physical training! We experienced this more than once. Lesson learned. Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated. I an headed out there … – Water filtration. I’ve shared my observations below. Many aspects of elk hunting are relevant and pertain to elk shed hunting. ( Log Out / The creeks are cold, but if you can find time to take a quick creek rinse especially for your feet, it will definitely give you a second wind and keep you in the hunt longer. Below are a few tips to help shorten your elk shed hunting learning curve and to get you on the fast track to finding brown gold! Elk Hunting Colorado Elk Hunting Tips Hunting Humor Big Game Hunting Coyote Hunting Deer Hunting Turkey Hunting Pheasant Hunting Archery Hunting. I’ve been to countless countries, terrains, and climates, and there is still in my opinion, no where as beautiful as the high country Rockies. Search and rescue couldn’t get to us, and had no timeline or pin on resources when they would be able to. Shed hunting is the ultimate treasure hunt and, for some, an exciting pastime. Nathan is a former United States Marine Sergeant and Combat Veteran of Iraq. Best of all, when you’re packing out trophy elk antlers during shed season that pack is much lighter without an elk quarter in it. – Elk will be wherever the hell they want to be. However, you will spend all day hunting because the terrain is challenging and there are many targets to run after. Quit wishing and start walking. #45 – Colorado Elk Shed Hunting Roadtrip Part 2 We are riding back from our western shed hunting roadtrip and talking all about our adventures. ( Log Out / Thread starter blacksheep; Start date May 16, 2019; 1; 2; Next. What is one tip that has helped you be successful when shed hunting? We had been told that elk only stay higher than 10000 feet in early September. Next Last. Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to remind shed hunters that the collection and possession of antlers or horns on all public lands west of I-25 is … (Here are some other survival items to have on you.). You don't have to live in Montana to look for elk sheds. Although shed hunting is not a new activity in Colorado, there is evidence that it is rapidly growing in popularity. Happy shed hunting! 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. Comparatively to both whitetails and… For your toenails. There are additional restrictions on the Gunnison Basin. If you are with a group, have a couple different options of filtration. Late season elk hunting is not for everyone but is a genuinely unique experience with its own set of singular challenges and opportunities. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. One consistency I’ve come to realize over the past two seasons is that elk shed hunting is simply a different ball game. That’s a lot of energy and calories you can save by starting high. It took me a couple days to really get comfortable in my pack because I wasn’t used to hiking in long pants, jacket, harness, and with a bow sling over my shoulder. I never thought I’d need my Inreach™, but when my Jeep was stuck in 3-4 feet of snow, that SOS button was pretty damn handy. Home. 8. Hunting for elk and mule deer sheds is a surefire way to enjoy western scenery in a personal manner, and possibly pick up more bone than … Follow game trails and use Binos to save boot leather. 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. Check out this review of the Danner Trail 2650, Video: Five tips to make a really quick emergency tarp shelter, Video: How to wet form a leather knife sheath with water and a sponge. 1 of 2 Go to page. Man, once we get to 4 or 5 call-ins without a bloodtrail, I start getting pr… Mule deer and cow elk will be found closer to roads and human traffic, but don’t be fooled by these visuals. Hunting for shed antlers is a popular winter pastime, affording people a chance to spend time outdoors when cabin fever sets in. We parked at 8500 feet and by the time we hiked in and we’re hunting we spent all of our time at 10000+. They helped us with hunting areas that were dead after the snow storm, and you get tons of valuable info on the area. 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. – Verify, verify, verify weather reports. I never touched them until 4 feet of snow fell and we spent days not only digging out of a snowstorm, but trudging through knee and waist deep snow, I would haven’t been able to do it without them. 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