Finding a massive set of elk antlers in the field is cool, but watching a bull shed its antlers and capturing it on camera is way cooler. As rare as it is to catch something so incredible, it does happen on occasion, and this clip from Tines Up, a Utah-based hunting guide service, offers us one more gem to marvel at.
Earlier this spring, Utah hunter Kolten Banks was lucky enough to film an elk shedding its antlers. This bull had already shed his left side when Banks started filming. After the right side comes off, the bull shakes his head around, looking relieved to lose his massive mantle. It must feel weird walking around with all that weight on top of your head.
Most deer and elk shed their antlers during March and April, a time when their testosterone levels are generally at the lowest. The low testosterone levels causes the bone connected to the base of the antler to deteriorate and eventually fall off. However, the most dedicated shed hunters are already planning out their trips for the prime time of shed hunting season, as the competition seemingly picks up year after year. Resources like trail cameras and the onX Hunt app allow shed hunters to document and organize data that could help them score a little more white gold each year, but ultimately time spent afield is what yields success.
However, it doesn't matter how many days you dedicate to shed hunting each year, and it likely doesn't matter where you look for sheds—finding a matching set of elk antlers that look like that is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, and a goal very few shed hunters every reach. Take each find as a victory and enjoy the process!
What's the biggest shed you've found?
