Blacktail Sheds

[SGM R]

Are there any dedicated Blacktail shed hunters out there? If so, what time of the year do you start hunting fresh sheds?

Lets see some Pictures of your sheds.

[bow4elk]

I fall into the dedicated category but I'm pretty lame on results.  I get a few each year but I don't spend weeks at it or drive long distances to areas with good genetics, etc.  I also only look for lowland (0-500') elevation sheds.

There are a few guys around who do really well.  There is a method to the madness.  I just walk trails, check feed areas, and pray a lot 

[3dsheetmetal]

Haven't had any luck finding a living blacktail buck let alone a shed.If you can find a shed in my book you are a god.

[bow4elk]

Haven't had any luck finding a living blacktail buck let alone a shed.If you can find a shed in my book you are a god.

You are in prime blacktail country, so you should be able to find both.  Think winter survival - minimal energy usage for eating, sleep, drinking, and security.  Find places that bucks can feel safe, eat, and drink without exposing themselves to risks of weather and predators, and you should find deer and/or sheds.

Also, keep in mind that southern exposures (when the sun does peek out) will attract deer and keep food sources green longer into fall/winter.  This also attracts deer.

Expect to spend about 10 hours of hiking/looking per shed.  I spent around 40 hours last year and found 3, and not the set I was looking for.  I've probably spend another 60 hours since last February scouting and only found one more after that.  It's futile sometimes 

Good Luck!

[muledude]

I try and get out around mid to late feb. were i go look doesnt realy get alot of snow but the only way to get down in there ussually has alot of snow so it has alot to do with the weather.. Timing is very important.. Get out as soon as you can and as many times as you can befor turkey season.By the time turkey season rolls around I concentrate on elk shed as this is the start of when they start to drop aswell as the are alot of guys turkey hunting that find those blacktails shed while hunting so Im pretty much done for black tail by april 15 or so..as soon as enought snow is gone i head down into low lying canyons surrounded by high country black tail buck country. But like the othere gentleman said your gona have to put in your time ..  most of the really good places i find you cant drive right to so be ready to hike into some deep holes..

[SGM R]

Thanks for the information. I have a good Idea of where I want to hunt for sheds this winter so from what I understand Blacktail start shedding around Feburary. This sounds like a great way to stay in the woods and get plenty of exercise...I'll keep everyone posted..


Brian

[ELKBURGER]

I've seen bucks drop late dec. in sw wash. That may be a rare case but I'm sure they're all dropped by feb.

[SGM R]

Thanks ElkBurger, I took a hike today up Johnson creek near Rainier today and spent a couple hours roaming the woods and I did not come up with any sheds.. I did find some nice area with some good elk sign...

[lewy]

Bt have already started to drop, I usually start looking hard after superbowl weekend.

[SGM R]

Thanks Dewy,

I'd love to see some picture of your sheds when you hook up.

thanks for the reply

[pygmy1985]

I am not a  shed collector per se, but I won't pass them up.   I have found 2  blacktail sheds.  The smaller one was from the Winston Unit last year.  The larger one I picked up in the Skookumchuk unit, this week while hunting with my kids.    Unfortunately, I couldn't find the other side.   I  did see a nice mature buck in the general area in late August, but not since.   I have 7 more days to find him and fill my archery tag.   

[actionshooter]

A buddy of mine found over a dozen durring the muzzle season this year while walking the same trail.
 He WONT tell me where either. I've got it narrowed down to the 80,000 acres called capitol peak.

[Alan K]

Nice sheds pigmy!  Is that larger blacktail shed this years?

[SGM R]

Boy it's got some color, it may be this years. Nice sheds P

thanks

[pygmy1985]

Thanks.  Yeah, the bigger shed is likely from last year.  I has already been nibbled well at the tip.  It was partially buried in pine needles at the base of a tree, so this preserved the color well. It has nice mass.  It's actually a Ft. Lewis buck.  I haven't seen many, but there are some big ones.

Pygmy