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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