This page has been moved to http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/field-notes
If your browser doesn’t redirect you to the new location, please visit The Field Notes at its new location: www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/field-notes.
Discussion Topic: Does Shed Hunting Stress Big Game?
Here’s another one sent to me by F&S Shooting Editor Philip Bourjaily.
Thanks, Phil.
From a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources press release:
Ideas to help some of Utah's deer and elk herds were discussed at the Nov. 30 meeting of the Utah Wildlife Board . . . . Among the recommendations the board approved were the following: From Feb. 1 to April 30, 2007, antlers shed by big game animals may not be gathered in the Northern Region. This closure affects all of the land in the Northern Region. . . .
"By the time winter ends big game animals, especially deer, are very stressed," [a DWR spokesman] says. "Not allowing people to gather antlers during this time of the year should help more deer make it all the way through the winter. The does should also be in better condition, and that will help them produce bigger, healthier fawns next spring."
How would you feel about giving up shed hunting in your area if it meant a healthier deer and/or elk herd?
i wouldnt give up shed hunting even if it were elligal
Posted by: | February 16, 2007 at 11:06 AM
This is a crock... "Don't bother the little pregnant does with a walk in the woods, and don't shoot the wolves that eat them either!"
Posted by: David | February 16, 2007 at 11:38 AM
What research proves that shed hunting adds further stress to animals?
This sounds like another ploy to keep sportsmen and women from using the outdoors. We could all stay home and watch dysfunctional talk shows on cable TV
Posted by: Michael | February 16, 2007 at 01:58 PM
What research proves that shed hunting adds further stress to animals?
This sounds like another ploy to keep sportsmen and women from using the outdoors. We could all stay home and watch dysfunctional talk shows on cable TV
Posted by: Michael | February 16, 2007 at 02:00 PM
There has been substantial research done on winter mortality and winter habitat efficiency over the past few years. The majority of it centers on oil and gas development, but it does involves wildlife disturbance. That said, I believe that shed hunting can be done in a responsible manner that does not overly stress wintering big game.
The biggest thing is that sportsmen and all outdoor enthusiasts need to be aware of their impact on the land and the habitat that our wildlife depends on.
That said, I hope I find myself a nice 6x6 shed this year.
Posted by: Sage Sam | February 16, 2007 at 04:10 PM
NO!!!
Posted by: jonny | February 16, 2007 at 09:01 PM
NO!!!
Posted by: jonny | February 16, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Of course not. Industry, with the noises, smells and visible footprints, is sustained environmental disturbance. Amimals walk in the forests: I'm one of them.
Posted by: Brian | February 17, 2007 at 12:29 PM
What in the world would hunting for antlers have to do with a deers temperment??
Posted by: Rick | February 17, 2007 at 09:03 PM
UNBELIVEABLE....GLAD I HAD TIME TO DUCK ON THAT ONE...IF WASN'T IN THE WOODS,PEOPLE WOULD'NT KNOW WHERE TO FIND ME!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: JOE | February 18, 2007 at 06:09 PM