SHEDHEAD Report: 92 Sheds & 2 Dead Bucks

Posted At : March 22, 2010 9:01 AM | Posted By : Mike Hanback
Related Categories: Big Deer Blog

Hey Mike: As of March 12 we are up to 92 shed antlers and several good dead bucks. My antler dog, Zoe, has been rocking with 28 sheds so far and two dead bucks over 140". We’ve found several sheds in the mid-60s and 70s. 72 inches is the biggest we have so far. We’ve matched up a few “big uns” too. What few times my son, Buck, has been out, he's been tearing it as well. He has found some of his biggest sheds this year, including a 70-incher. My wife is okay with the sheds, but she won’t let us bring the rotten heads in the house.

The season started like no other for us, as we found 30 sheds in January (normally we only find 2-9 sheds that month). I'm blaming it on such a hard winter in the Midwest and a really good rut (by all the sign we found). A lot of bucks dropped antlers early.

I found something that is # 2 on my shed hunting wish list: A buck with his antlers stuck in a tree while he was rubbing (picture below). WHAT A WAY TO GO!

# 1 on my wish list is a pair of bucks locked together. I figure it's only a matter of time before that happens.

BTW, the competition has been WICKED FIERCE this year. We've definitely found more people footprints than antlers. Three of my "honeyholes" that normally give me 20-30 sheds a year have only produced 5-10 each and TONS of footprints. I guess some people think it's O.K. to trespass cause they are only shed hunting. But I try not to let it bother me. I look at it like mushroom hunting; they can’t find em all.

We are heading out for yet more walking and hunting. Trying to get to triple digits, T minus 8 and counting! Take care and good luck to all the shed hunters out there.--Robert aka SHEDHEAD

Let’s hear your shedding updates. comment

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no shed for me yet again as of yesterday 3 bucks still with full headgear here in milwaukee county mayb thats why idk lots of miles over spring breal no luck

# Posted By ian in wisconsin | 3/22/10 10:12 AM

I could not imagine finding that many. I have found three small ones & I'm walking around like I found the Dead Sea Scrolls. Good job, Shed.

# Posted By Curt | 3/22/10 10:29 AM

Awesome results, Robert! Any chance you could share more pics of the buck locked in the tree on the Forum!
Painter

# Posted By Painter | 3/22/10 10:45 AM

To give you an example of how powerful our blogs and articles are: I have had numerous emails from people asking me about this area for shed hunting purpose from thousands of miles away. 4 years ago I had a complete stranger drive up to my shop at the farm while I was working on a tractor, walk over to me, ask if I was Luke Strommen, and then thrust an American Hunter magazine in my face to ask me if the shed hunting article therein was really me...he drove through four states just to come here to shed hunt...complete with a big enclosed trailer...turns out thats what he does for a living is sell sheds. And if you think you can be vague about where you shed hunt, think again, they will find out.

# Posted By Luke S. | 3/22/10 11:26 AM

Before anyone can jump on it, I know I was a tremendous part of the problem exploiting the shed hunting world. It makes my gut turn when I think about it. I had no idea it would take a path in this direction when I started. I feel so guilty of it for the people in my state. I hope my cure is realizing what is happening and trying to heal it up as best as in my power. I am sorry I ever wrote any article, took any pictures, or participated in any television shows revealing shed hunting. I am so sorry to so many. I hope my withdrawal from those things helps gain back my sainity a little and gets just a bit of forgiveness.

# Posted By Luke S. | 3/22/10 11:34 AM

I get what you are saying Luke, and I wouldn't let it bother you that much though.
I have found 24 sheds this year which is the most I have ever found. There are only about 4 guys in my area that shed hunt, and everybody kind of has their own territory. The rest of the guys around are just too plain lazy to get off their butts and do the leg work it requires to find sheds, or they just don't care about it. I figure you have to walk at least 3 miles on average to find 1 shed around here, so most guys aren't going to put forth the effort. There just aren't that many deer to begin with, and even less bucks that survive. I have also found 4 dead bucks and 4 dead does.
I have found some matched sets to some nice bucks that I have pictures of, but after reading Lukes post, I don't think I want to show too many people now.

# Posted By Chad M. | 3/22/10 11:58 AM

Luke,
I hear where you're coming from. However, I think the horse is outta the barn on this one. Once, someone smells money on something, you can forget about it. I hope landowners can get control of their land & press charges in these cases. But, damn is it fun!

# Posted By Curt | 3/22/10 12:01 PM

Way cool pictures Shed Head. Luke, sorry to hear of your pain friend. Heading out here in a bit to hopefully pick up a few more bones. On Spring Break this whole week. I've only found one so far.

# Posted By Dean Weimer | 3/22/10 1:40 PM

My family clan total is up to 10 at this point. My dad jumped a nice buck still carrying 10 days ago from the same area I jumped him back in November from my Doubl e Brow story. We're hoping he has or will drop them in his bed there. I am hoping to put a stalk on this deer, what a cool hunt that would be on film! I have only been out twice since the snow has been non-stop here all year and my farm is nowehere near where I can drive and put in a couple hours time. I'm hoping we find a few still yet, but like David I am about to start prepping for new stand sites. I can't wait to get on the tractor finally!

# Posted By Licking Branch | 3/22/10 6:14 PM

Man those lucky Bastards ha ha ha ...... That is so cool to find huge sheds and 2 cool skulls!

# Posted By DaveZ. | 3/22/10 10:16 PM

Luke, good to here from you. I could not agree with you more. Not only is shed hunting being destroyed but hunting in general. Guys like yourself gave alot to hunting in general. You do it for the right reasons. I don't tell anyone where I shed or bow hunt . State name at most. The commercial side of hunting sucks. It's marketing B.S. makes me want to puke. I've reached out to the commercial side of things twice in the past. Thank god it never happen. I'll keep my place to myself and buddies who really apppreciate it. Luke, the invite still stands if you want to stick and string one at my place. You showed alot of people great deer, I hope you can teach alot of people to shut up. Hope your kids and wife are good. Not so worried about you.

Later
Matt T. WI

# Posted By mdt0468 | 3/23/10 12:20 AM

Thanks Matt. Good to hear your still kick'n. We'll have to catch up sometime. I'm sure you have some good stuff to share.
Thanks again.

# Posted By Luke S. | 3/23/10 11:19 AM

All i hear u people do is wine.

# Posted By mike | 3/23/10 11:55 PM

Shedhead, Great job so far with the sheds. Sorry to hear your pains with trespassing.

Luke, I agree with you but its so hard not to share sometimes. Recently I have been reserved in where I have found sheds and sometimes think I have shared to much on how to train a shed dog as I did.

# Posted By outdrdave | 3/24/10 3:31 PM

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