another day and another issue !
One of the last benefits I see that shed hunting provides is the opportunity to introduce our youth to the outdoors . Since my kids are not old enough to hunt yet I take the opportunity to take my 7-year old son with me whenever I can . This past spring I took my oldest daughter , who is 4- years old , out on her first shed hunt . Wouldn ’ t you know it , she found her first set of antlers ! I ’ m not sure who was more excited , me or her ? Needless to say , as cold as it was she got excited picking them up .
My son , Cody , also picked up his first elk shed this past spring and it was a giant ! He doesn ’ t like it when I leave him at home , especially if I come home with a few sheds . Every now and then I get the whole family out hiking , kid pack and all , to hike the hills in hopes of finding a single shed . I tell my kids that it ’ s like an Easter Egg hunt and that seems to peak their interest . They love to get out into the outdoors and my wife and I love that they enjoy doing it .
Whether you shed hunt to extend your “ hunting season ”, to stay in shape , to make a few extra bucks , or just to get out and enjoy the great outdoors remember to respect the deer and elk on the winter range . It is a critical time of year for them and pushing them around when their energy needs to be conserved is unethical and should not be taken lightly . Along with respecting the deer and elk , respect your fellow shed hunters , land owners and obey any rules that the Fish and Game has established in your state .
And when you go out try to take a kid along for the experience . It ’ s something they will always remember . What better way to introduce them to the outdoors and our hunting heritage ? Good luck out there !
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