Antler Shed

Antler Shed

Now is the time to be looking for antler sheds, at least in Missouri! Have had this property for 7 years and have never found an antler shed. Actually, I have never found a shed anywhere! Yesterday was an epic moment! Dave (my significant other) and I were driving to the back of the property just to take a look and see how things were greening up (getting spring fever). We were on our way back when he said, “I can’t believe it!” He turned the truck around real quickly and headed to the treeline. Sure enough, there amongst the weeds, about 3 feet from the treeline, was an antler shed! For us, that was the find of a lifetime! It was the first deer shed he has ever found and we have walked this property looking and hoping to find one! It technically has 7 points (that’s it in the picture).  It would be a mainframe 10 with 2 kickers (second hard to see, but 3/4 inch), a 14 point buck here in Missouri, assuming the other side was 7 as well (some states only count one side).  We were so excited to know that this buck was around and is in the gene pool here! Even more interesting is that the center of the base was still very soft and by the afternoon it had become hard. Wow! That means that buck just lost that right before we were there! Never saw him, but we know he was just there! That was so exciting for us! I just can’t tell you enjoyment that came from that find.I have yet to find a shed, but I will still keep looking!

I just wanted to share a very awesome moment that people don’t realize or look at as a part of hunting. Hunting also means walks out in the woods looking for sheds, scouting, etc. It is kind of like Easter egg hunting for adults! Of course, mushroom hunting is just like Easter egg hunting, too, (will write about hunting those once the season starts, which is soon)!  Hunting isn’t just about killing. It gets you out in the woods and the things you see and experience are so simple, yet so exhilarating and good for the soul. I love to be out there and see the birds, squirrels, armadillo, (though they can be annoying when you are hunting), whatever nature is willing to let you see that day! It is so relaxing and peaceful. Just listening to the sounds of nature is worth more than you can put a dollar amount on. It reminds a person that the simple things in life are very often overlooked in today’s busy lifestyle, but are so precious and waiting to be experienced. I have a grandson 6 years old that I want to teach about nature, hunting, enjoying the outdoors and respecting it and giving back all at the same time. This shed brought about so much joy and may seem crazy to some, but it all boils down to experiencing nature in its simplest forms. I still look forward to the day I find a shed! Even if I don’t, will keep enjoying the great outdoors!

Bonnie Dyer/www.womenhunt-too.com

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