Personal opinions about shed hunting.

[MikeWalking]

WOW. Really!  Give the animals a break and keep off the mts.

What, so it's not OK to go Snowshoeing or winter camping all of a sudden?

[Miles]

Pianoman -  What exactly are you trying to find out?   Are you a shed hunter?  Are you trying to get restrictions put in place?

[MtnMuley]

This thread has more pathetic BS than any other I've read.  Hell, the title has even been changed.  Why post a pic that could start a controversial thread in the first place in January of a ATL on a steep hillside in the famous wintering ground for the muleys, and then not expect negative comments?  Now there's accusations flying all over the place.  When shed hunting on state/WDFW land gets completely regulated, I hope you're all happy.  Who are the fingers going to point at then?

[bearpaw]

It seems to me that there are already closures in many areas considered to be the most sensitive areas. I would think if it gets too bad in a specific area they will close that area till a certain date in the spring. If an area is open, I blame no one for recreating in any legal form.

Nothing moves deer around more than a hungry predator and this state has no worries about that. The deer seem to flock around homes and human activity in many of the areas I know. After season has closed, I don't think wildlife has near as much fear of man as they do predators. I know there are a lot of shed hunters and maybe some areas need protection, but we have an agency that is responsible for deciding what areas need to be closed.

I don't think we should be judging fellow sportsmen who are not breaking the law.

[Fowlweather25]

For christs sake it's a friggin antler! There are a lot of other activities going on in the winter that run deer a lot harder than walking slowly through the woods looking for antlers! Cry me a friggin river! Like bear paw said cougars and wolves are at the biggest advantage this time of year! Focus on them and not a guy that has a harmless hobby in the winter! I say if you're legal go for it!

[Backstraps]

Holy *censored* Duck! You sure know how to stir the pot! lol 

[bobcat]

In my opinion the bigger issue arises when people are using snowmobiles and/or ATV's to hunt for sheds. If it was all done on foot it wouldn't be nearly as disruptive to animals on their winter range.   

[MADMAX]

Here we go again, it used to be fun now its hurray for me and you go screw yourself mentality.
I have had guys on horseback see me working up a ridge on foot and actually swerve and vear ahead of me to grab a 4pt elk horn

[boneaddict]

I agree, and maybe leave Fido at home until the snow clears.  There are some REAL idiots who chase game.  I imagine those folks will be looking for bones even if there is a season.


Passive bumping is not generally an issue.  That includes using machines on roads passing by.   Gridding is DIFFERENT.
That singlehandily is what shut down Utah.

There is also a misconception on here where most of the wintering grounds are shut down.  That is UNTRUE.  Mostly only areas around feeding stations.    I think that has more to do with limiting access for poaching and tribal hunting presuure than anything. I imagine there would be a problem with animals being pushed back before they are ready, but since these animals are ELK compared to muledeer.    I think any logical woodsman would also be able to make decisions based on different species. 

There will always be people, and since people are inherently competetive.......

[Jerome]

This site is turning into monster muleys twin brother. 

[boneaddict]

Well Monster Muleys is in Utah, and Utah DOES have a shed season now......

[bobcat]

This site is turning into monster muleys twin brother.

[Fowlweather25]

That's what gets me is the finger pointing and the guy feeling like he had to take the pic down! Ignorance is thinking that someone doing something legally and the right way is more bothersome then all the other winter activities! Pianoman, quit taking everything so personally, go ahead and talk to the biologist if you want, great idea! You can focus on both but to me it's ridiculous that people would get worked up about someone picking up some sheds, he already said he uses binos most of the time! Pick your battles is what I'm saying!

[Outdoor Guardian]

Im tired of all the game wardens that don't hunt or fish. Why would you choose that as a profession then? Most of the time they seem like the ones that want to end hunting

I would venture to guess that 97% of our Fish and Wildlife Officer do hunt and/or fish, to include our big boss, Chief Bjork. Do I hunt and fish? As much as I can. Like all of the officers, my work schedule is not really a schedule at all…… which means plans are often driven by calls for service, patrol needs during open seasons, or program support and administration.

For what it’s worth, my wife has harvested four elk over the years, and my eleven year old daughter hunted waterfowl this year (she has yet to connect though). My seven year old girl doesn’t hunt yet, but is a fishing fanatic! Fishing and shellfish gathering occupies most of our time, mostly because the seasons and opportunities are greater. And not only do all of my girls catch it, they also clean and cook it. Nothing squeamish about these girls! While I have allowed more than one post-mortem autopsy to be performed, I have drawn the line at taking a fish eyeball to school. Mom also has been known to frown upon animal parts in pants pockets....

[Outdoor Guardian]

Everybody hide!!!!  nobody saw or talked about anything. If he asks, this forum is all about knitting sweaters!  if we stick to our story we should be okay guys.

Yes, I am a Fish and Wildlife Police Officer. I am not here to “make book" -- rather, this is an effort by our bureau to better connect law enforcement with the outdoor user. We hope to be as interactive as resources allow, and at the same time share accomplishments relative to efforts to protect your natural resources and hunting opportunities.

Having said that, I could really use some tips on knitting a sweater in realtree camo....