Shed Hunting

Every winter deer and moose drop their antlers following the breeding season, triggered by a decrease in their testosterone levels. People use these shed antlers for a variety of purposes ranging from crafts to dog chew toys and searching for them has become an increasingly popular activity. Shed hunting can be a great way to get outdoors and to learn more about wildlife but NHFG urge shed hunters to follow some guidelines to minimize their impact on our deer and moose populations.

• Delay shed hunting until spring when wildlife are less vulnerable
  • Winter is a stressful time for wildlife and disturbing them can cause them to burn through their fat reserves quicker, potentially decreasing their chances of survival
• Don’t disturb wildlife – look where wildlife were, not where they are 
  • If you are spooking large numbers of animals, it is best to look elsewhere or come back later in the season
• Take extra care if accompanied by a dog or traveling via snowmobile as they can be especially disruptive to wildlife
• Don’t trespass on posted land