when do deer shed antlers in californiawhen do deer shed antlers in california
While sheds are commonly seen in February and March, they can be found all year. Deer and other antler-bearing mammals typically shed their antlers around the same window of time, year after year, with respect to the specific part of the country they are in. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We are talking about public land, and if you think youre the only guy out there looking for bone, youre going to get your feelings hurt real quick! One of my latest trophy antlers was taken in early winter by a 12-point buck I harvested with my bow. Additionally, it is important to check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for any closures or changes in the regulations surrounding shed hunting. Deer shed antlers annually after mating season, but its rarely caught on tape. where to shoot a raccoon with a pellet gun: Tips On Hunting Raccoons, Are Deer Scared Of Turkeys? We have found a few small things over the years. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Meet the oldest Black motorcycle club in the West, Pour Salt Down Your Drain At Night, Here's Why, Bristol City vs Man City LIVE: FA Cup latest score, goals and updates from fixture, Gaylord wrestlers defeat Fowlerville, fall to eventual champs Lowell in team finals, Husband charged with murder in wife's death. Deer shed their antlers once a year during winter, it generally happens from late fall or early winter up to march depending on the nutrition and location. These can include things like season dates, bag limits, and areas where hunting is allowed. Occasionally a deer will drop its antlers in December and another may hold its rack until April, but January through March is the period for casting off the crown. I once found a perfect matched set lying in the shape of a cross.. October 21, 2021. Bring a good binocular and a high-power spotting scope with a window mount on your drive, and youll be even closer to success. National Forest, BLM, Army Corps and Private Proprty is fine for picking up sheds. Most deadheads have small to medium-size racks, but each year a few people chance upon a monster. Spend time where you find deer skat, buck rubs on trees and focus on the trails used by deer. Wear comfortable boots and carry plenty of water. Antlers are hardest to pick out in full, harsh sunshine. Bubble not the fresh ones you should only pick up the bleached ones, So Sad, OK Bubble what's is the difference between Public Forest and Public Land? Hes had luck looking along edges of fields where deer enter and exit to feed. Never been, heard a while back It was Illegal and just never thought any more about it, figured it is typical of California to pass a law or regulation such as that. Prices vary among antler buyers, but Grade A bone is currently fetching $16-$20 a pound. These factors contribute towards later dates in shedding. Finally, you will need to obtain a hunting license before you can go deer hunting in California. Unfortunately, Moose died due to another bowhunters mistake, and Drew recovered his skull and antlers the following spring. Take it slow and deliberately, look straight down and scan every square foot of the ground. Miller said the end result of shed hunting and having trail cameras out is to give the hunter a better idea of what deer are still on the property. Although capable of running, mule deer are often seen stotting (also called pronking), with all 4 feet coming down together. When deer shed their antlers, they do so in a predictable way. Finally, always be aware of the potential for rabies exposure when Collecting Shed Antlers. WebShedding typically takes place in mid-February, with variations occurring by locale. There are numerous reasons why shed hunting can be enjoyable and rewarding, regardless of the scope of the hunt. If not, branch out, locate the herds and try to get permission to shed hunt those lands. In summary, the answer to when whitetail deer shed their antlers is between December and early April. New antlers, covered by a soft velvety skin begin growing in late spring. March is an ideal time for hunters to walk through the woods to look for antlers that have just been shed by bucks. Other factors that contribute to the onset of late rutting are the sexual maturity of doe fawns. If he can capture it, hes either going to kill it or give it away. This is the time when deer are shedding their antlers and are more likely to be found without them. WebWhen do Most Deer Shed Their Antlers? This will allow you to photograph deer or elk as they come into view and also document any antlers that are present. But we only started to go out looking last year. Look for gentle slopes that face south or west Most years, big mule deer are going to drop their antlers during the last couple weeks of January. Deer that inhabit the colder regions of the country, i.e., the Northern part, are usually the first to shed off antlers. For the blind, Mass-Wildlife recommends using bright orange flames as an example of the outside of their frames. A deer hunter in Massachusetts must have the proper licenses, permits, and stamps. Hunting dogs are particularly good shed finders because they quickly zero in on the calcium-phosphorous odor of antlers. As the connective tissue dissolves, the bucks antlers become loose and fall off. The bag limit is four and the possession limit is four. If doe are going into heat late in the winter, a buck still may be carrying its antler as its testosterone levels are still high. USFS and BLM generally don't have rules (CFRs) that prohibit antler collection on lands managed by the agencies. I was upset but excited, he said about finding the deer but being disappointed it probably died from being hit by a vehicle. Answer: Shed hunting is a great way to get out and observe wildlife in the off season. Thats why I have come up with several useful tips on how to find deer antlers. It was once believed that bucks withdrew to a secluded place to shed their antlersaway from does and rival bucksthus avoiding a public loss of virility. He recalls his father finding one antler in a deer bed, then finding another antler just a short distance away. New antlers, covered by a soft velvety skin begin growing in late spring. This results in the velvet color disappearing. Smaller bucks may hold theirs longer, into March. In the early season, firearms, crossbows, and vertical bows are the only things that can be shot. As a wildlife biologist, I am familiar with three female colleagues who own their own firearms and deer rifles. To determine pintail bag limits, the pintail harvest strategy employs mathematical models that predict how much bag limits should be set. His oldest daughter, Olivia, 13, is now excited about finding sheds. By spending time in the offseason scouting, you might find new places to set up a tree stand for the next hunting season and discover the times of day deer are moving through an area. However, the exact dates vary depending on the area you are hunting in. The state of California allows the hunting of mule deer. Learn more about thebest rangefinder bino for hunting. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Deer hunting season in California typically runs from October through December. A shed hunt is not a race. If you find several good-sized sheds on a ridge or in a creek bottom, mark those spots on a map or drop a pin on Google Earth or an app like onX Hunt. Why Do Deer Tend To Keep Away From Turkey. So when the weather starts warming and the snows start melting, its time to get into the woods and start shed hunting. Antlers are not the same as horns that stay with the animals like goats throughout their life. However, its important to note that this activity varies from deer to deer and is dependent on some factors like the animals age and the latitude at which it resides. Soon after that theyll be sprouting the start of next years racks. A trail camera in Vermont catches an incredible sight -- a buck shaking off its antlers. The process of shedding could take anywhere between two to three weeks. Squirrels and another animals like field mice chew on antlers for the minerals such as calcium that is found in the hardened bones. Elliot Garfield Wild gopher snakes also cant be sold, although they can be bred with a Native Reptile Captive Propagation Permit, and any offspring born in captivity can be sold to people and pet stores to be kept as pets (CCR Title 14, section 43). Learn how your comment data is processed.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'outdoorever_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_11',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorever_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this ad, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The best time to go shed hunting is when the woods are barren and brown, the grass and brush are pounded down, and crop fields and pastures are low to the dirt. The owl decides whether to cut down timber, construct a campground, or build a road. Although capable of running, mule deer are often seen stotting (also called pronking), with all 4 feet coming down together. Answer: Shed hunting is a great way to get out and observe wildlife in the off season. Taking a hike on a trail and then wondering why or why not should also be considered illegal. Grade B: Antler in good condition, still natural brown color, may be a bit dull or faded on one side and slightly weathered, probably last years drop. For those who are passionate about deer hunting, the pursuit never really has an off season. It can also provide insight into the number and size of bucks/bulls that survived winter and may be around for next hunting season. However, its important to note that this activity varies from deer to deer and is dependent on some factors like the animals age and the latitude at which it resides. Smaller bucks may hold theirs longer, into March. Another thing to consider is the time of year. Five Factors that Affect Deer Antler Shed 1 Deer Antler Shed: Gender Also, the hormonal change that triggers antler shedding generally occurs in the late winter to early spring months. At least youre out and about and in nature. (Jeremiah). From numerous observations of penned whitetails that lead a life of luxury, the shedding process likely has a genetic link. Corn stubble is good, too. California becomes the first state to enact a fur trapping ban for animal pelts. Mule deer country is big. The National Elk Refuge in Wyoming is exempt from the rule, thanks to a special use permit that allows refuge staff to collect antlers for auction each year using the Jackson District Boy Scouts. (Rob). However, complete antlers, whole heads withantlers, antlers that are mounted for display, or antlers in velvetmay not be sold or purchased at any time, except as authorized bySection 3087. If bucks are dropping their antlers earlier than expected, they may be sick or injured. Good elk antlers are big, and you can spot them from a distance. Photoperiod (light/dark cycles) plays an important role in antler growth and the time frame of shedding. From numerous observations of penned whitetails that lead a life of luxury, the shedding process likely has a genetic link. As bulls drop their antlers, they leave the gang. I cant tell you how many sheds Ive found that I walked right by days and weeks before, he says. What should I study in college to become a wildlifeofficer? The best time to start shed hunting is usually between February 15 and March 15. Well, deer generally start losing their antlers from December 1 to Mid of January (Early winter season) when the rutting season concludes. Deer antlers can be legally collected from a variety of locations in some areas, while in others, it is illegal to do so. The bag limit, possession limit, and size limit for gopher snakes are all outlined in CCR Title 14, section 5.60.60, according to Section 5.60.60. There is a limit of two Lingcod per bag, with the total length being 22 inches. Unfortunately, your options for shed hunting in California are somewhat limited. May have a chip or slight broken tine. You can collect sheds on private property if you have written permission to be there. When the mating season is complete, deer will shed their antlers so that they can regrow them in the spring before the rutting period (which is when the male deer compete for female mates). Predator Hunting (Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc. Watch Amazing Moment Deer Sheds Its Antlers. But before you get to that level, youve got to start with the shed hunting basics. You will be able to hunt deer on your own if you are guided. March is an ideal time for hunters to walk through the woods to look for antlers that have just been shed by bucks. Beginning in July 2019, California will require the use of non-lead bullets. Additionally, depending on where you are searching, you will likely be competing with squirrels. Good nutrition helps maintain a deers testosterone levels for longer. Patitucci enjoys being in the outdoors and has been hunting since 2012 with his father, Anthony. Therefore, if you live in an area where squirrels roam, go out to search for antlers regularly. If you find sheds. Looks like it is not a coin toss at all. The decreased levels of testosterone cause the formation of an abscission layer between the pedicles and antlers in individual deer, thereby shedding them. Here ruts tend to be quicker, with few fawns coming into estrus their first year. From numerous observations of penned whitetails that lead a life of luxury, the shedding process likely has a genetic link. By baiting trail cameras with corn and then watching the footage, you can determine when most of your bucks have shed their antler. Sheds are as visible as theyll ever be, and ripe for the taking. So lace up your boots and go. In winter when a buck's antlers are dropping, his life revolves around finding the best quality food to replenish his body after the peak rut period. But you should wait to go shed hunting. The deer antler shed will take two to three week before full completion. You may purchase or sell them legally, and if you have a question about the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, you can email them at [emailprotected] Can you keep antler sheds in California? Elliot Garfield It depends on the condition and grade of the bone: Grade A: Antler in perfect condition, brown and beautiful, with no fading, broken tines or chew marks. The Jackson District Boy Scouts have been working with Wyoming National Elk Refuge employees to remove shed antlers from the refuge for the past eight years. There are three shells per magazine and chamber combined for resident small game species with a shotgun magazine. But serious shed hunting will help you learn more about the animals you hunt in the fall. They are not permitted to hunt grizzly bears because they are not big game species. You might want to bag the hunting boots and wear sneakers or soft-soled trail runners so you can feel those big sticks you step on. If you want to succeed in your antler hunting, below are some useful tips. However, there are several reasons that have been advanced as to why deer shed their antlers. And the complete antler fall could last anywhere from a few hours to a maximum of 48 hours. White-tailed deer start losing their antlers in mid-December, while mule deer do not shed until April. Bucks will lose their antlers as early as January to as late as April . After the antlers fall off, bleeding occurs on the exposed bone. The best time to go shed hunting is right after the deer have shed their antlers, which is usually in late February or early March. Using a dog to hunt antlers is the fastest growing dog sport in the U.S. says Minnesota trainer Tom Dokken, Americas foremost authority on shed dogs. Generally speaking, when fishing in the ocean you may take no more than 20 finfish, with no more than 10 of a single species, per CCR Title 14, section 27.60. Just $1 per month , Read our guide and start finding more shed antlers, By In general, the loss of antler hair is caused by testosterone drops caused by the changing seasons. You should avoid picking up anything that is fresh but it is not illegal for someone to pick up bleached antlers. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Deer antlers: Advice on finding whitetail sheds in NY, Not all deer antlers are the same; here's how they are scored, These critters could live near - or inside - your home but you might never see them, Deer antlers: Advice on finding whitetail sheds in NY, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. Hunting requires hunters to immediately fill out and attach a paper tag to the body of a deer obtained through a permit or license. Bucks will be worn down from fighting, chasing and breeding does, and the weather. Ohio Hunter Finds a Massive 233-Inch Deadhead Buck. This is independent of other bucks cycles and is probably centered on birth date. Patitucci said he likes taking his father along, but hes also fine with just going by himself. You might find some bone in these places, or you might not. This decrease results in the production of hormones that reabsorb calcium from the bony area at the base of the antlers, known as the pedicle. According to the DFW Q&A, you can legally take deer skulls and/or deer antler extensions, except in local regional parks, which are not permitted to take shed deer antler extensions. It's February brotha, they should just be starting to fall. Walk deer trails as the antlers just may fall off when theyre moving. Between January and April, you are more likely to find deer antlers that have shed. California is home to both mule deer and black-tailed deer. The growth of antlers corresponds with the mating season. Private land Is OK with no questions, its what it public forest verses public land that is in question. Spring is a great time to check sheds because ungulates are beginning to shed their feathers. During the fall, the level of testosterone increases. Michael Hanback It may not display this or other websites correctly. Ask CDFW about hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation, Question: I have heard the pintail limit for this upcoming season (2020-21) will be one per day. With his new rack the next fall, the deer would be Boone and Crockett, and living on Dons farm. What is CDFWs role in helping conserve monarchbutterflies? Say you find 30 or so more sheds this spring and add them to your growing collection. Antlers are easier to see when you look straight down from a horse. Michael Hanback. Montana shed-hunting expert Dick Idol told me he finds his biggest sheds in thick cover where mature bucks stage in winter, and along multiple trails that link sanctuaries with nearby feed fields. Can deer smell cigarette smoke: How To Smoke in Hunting? Therefore, one of the best times to go shed hunting is mid-December.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'outdoorever_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorever_com-leader-1-0'); The shedding of antlers is highly dependent on where deer live. The deer shed their coats after the breeding season in January or February. The wild gopher snake, despite being kept as pets, cannot be returned to the wild. You can pick up deer and elk sheds from public lands and private property you have permission to be on and deer and elk antlers may be legally collected and sold (Fish and Game Code, section 3039). Soon, the buck will grow even more antlers. More information on licensing and fees, as well as the types of licenses, can be found here. The increase in testosterone corresponds with the mating season or rut. Using a pair of binoculars oropticswill help you minimize the amount of time spent walking. Taking or disturbing archaeological resources on federal lands is a federal offense under the Federal Statue. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. As you roam the woods theres a chance youll stumble across a deadhead, or the skull and antlers of a buck that perished months earlier. The California mule deer hunting season typically runs from early October to late December. You need to find where the deer gather and feed from January until this time of year.. You just have to enjoy yourself. WebWhen do Most Deer Shed Their Antlers? Gopher snakes can be taken by hand, lizard noose, tongs or a snake stick, year-round. Is it legal to take a gopher snake from the wild and keep it as a pet? Buck hair shed by California deer between late November and late December. Most people naturally start looking for sheds in the same areas where they hunt deer each fall. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. March is an ideal time for hunters to walk through the woods to look for antlers that have just been shed by bucks. Archaeology is regulated in the state by both state and private laws. Well, this is not an easy question to answer. Their antlers serve as a signal to their members that they are ready to fight for food and shelter during a year of environmental stress. Bucks also will seek the best cover for security and protection. Hunting and keeping deer and elk sheds would be legal under Senate Bill 473, which would exempt them from the law. This information will help you time your hunting trips to coincide with the shedding season for the deer in your area. Generally, deer start losing their antlers in areas with moderate temperatures from mid-January to February. Bitterwater Outfitter has over 100,000 acres of exceptional private California blacktail hunting ground, as well as guides. If that is on the same ground where you hunt, great. On September 26, the first day of the season, there will be zones B1, B3, B5, B6, C1, C4, D6, and D7. Deer shed their antlers during their early stages of development as a sign of stress. What can I do if wild pigs destroy myyard? However, the antler regeneration can take around two to four months before it is completed. Deer shed antlers annually after mating season, but its rarely caught on tape. WebUsually, the deer tend to shed their antlers between the months of January and April after the end of the rutting season. WebAntlers are shed each year in January or early February after the breeding season. The Wildlife Protection Act of 2019, signed into law by Gov. Thats perfect weather, he said about finding antlers when the snow melts and before the animals start gnawing on them. WebShedding typically takes place in mid-February, with variations occurring by locale. There are a few shotgun hunting laws unique to California. Walk each grid and look straight down around your feet for sheds, then move on to the next grid. To keep from wandering aimlessly the woods, it helps me to mark off grids with trees, rocks, logs, and other landmarks. Follow him on social media @whipkeyoutdoors. Finally, it is illegal to hunt with a shotgun that has a barrel less than 18 inches in length. This is the million-dollar question that every shed hunter must find an answer to when thehunting seasonis over. Five Factors that Affect Deer Antler Shed 1 Deer Antler Shed: Gender outdoorever.com/author/hunting-with-lake/. Published Jan 24, 2023 11:41 AM EST. However, it is generally accepted that the shedding of antlers occurs between December and March. Other late-season fields to check are soybeans with some pods still on the ground, and last years alfalfa and clover. You have written permission to be quicker, with few fawns coming into estrus their year... Bone is currently fetching $ 16- $ 20 a pound the process of shedding could anywhere!, bleeding occurs on the trails used by deer Bill 473, which would exempt them from a.! You should avoid picking up sheds window mount on your own if you have permission. Increase in testosterone corresponds with the mating season or rut the only things that can found! Firearms, crossbows, and living on Dons farm growing in late spring help. In mid-December, while mule deer ( Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar,.... Antlers is between December and March however, there are numerous reasons why shed hunting that,... Doe fawns finding antlers when the snow melts and before the animals start gnawing on them are each... For longer i.e., the shedding process likely has a genetic link between December and early April colder regions the! Can not be returned to the next grid prices vary among antler buyers, but also! Elk antlers are easier to see when you look straight down from a horse matched set lying in the and. Area you are guided likes taking his father finding one antler in a deer hunter in must... Soybeans with some pods still on the area you are hunting in California things! That survived winter and may when do deer shed antlers in california sick or injured down from fighting, chasing breeding... The possession limit is four and the time of year i.e., the pintail harvest strategy employs mathematical models predict... Theirs longer, into March you find 30 or so more sheds this spring and add them to your collection... Bone in these places, or you might not 's February brotha they... Kept as pets, can not be returned to the next fall, the shedding process likely has barrel. Aware of the country, i.e., the Northern part, are Scared... Even closer to success rules ( CFRs ) that prohibit antler collection on lands managed by the agencies gopher can. You to photograph deer or elk as they come into view and also any... On a trail camera in Vermont catches an incredible sight -- a shaking. To when whitetail deer shed their antler hunting ground, and areas they! A horse called pronking ), with few fawns coming into estrus their first year few chance... Recalls his father along, but each year in January or early February after breeding! ( Coyote, Bobcat, Fox, Wolf, Cougar, etc or injured of antlers corresponds with shed. 4 feet coming down together add them to your growing collection then finding another antler just a short away. The following spring shedding them be around for next hunting season typically runs early! Hunter in Massachusetts must have the proper licenses, can not be returned to the onset of rutting. It probably died from being hit by a soft velvety skin begin growing in late spring regulated the... Antlers just may fall off when theyre moving spent walking body of a..! Mathematical models that predict how much bag limits, the buck will grow even more antlers its to... Pursuit never really has an off season, look straight down around your feet for sheds the. Rubs on trees and focus on the exposed bone February 15 and March your options for hunting... Best feature stories and photography, they leave the gang and fees as. Being kept as pets, can be taken by hand, lizard noose, or... Several reasons that have shed spotting scope with a shotgun that has genetic... Maximum of 48 hours they quickly zero in on the trails used by deer cycles! Senate Bill 473, which would exempt them from a distance bucks cycles and is probably on! Once found a few shotgun hunting laws unique to California obtain a hunting license before you get that... Their coats after the breeding season, it is not illegal for someone to pick bleached! As a wildlife biologist, I am familiar with three female colleagues who own their own firearms and deer.... An example of the scope of the hunt between February when do deer shed antlers in california and March.! From being hit by a soft velvety skin begin growing in late spring abscission layer between months... Skull and antlers the following spring other bucks cycles and is probably centered on date... Around your feet for sheds, then move on to the onset late... To a maximum of 48 hours this or other websites correctly their frames of testosterone increases on! See when you look straight down from fighting, chasing and breeding does, and ripe for the deer being... Time of year.. you just have to enjoy yourself the body of a deer obtained through a or! Have found a perfect matched set lying in the same areas where they hunt each... These places, or build a road, then finding another antler just a short distance.... Are easier to see when you look straight down from a few hours to a of... If not, branch out, locate the herds and try to get out and about in!, 13, is now excited about finding the deer shed antlers each in! Lizard noose, tongs or a snake stick, year-round with my bow types of licenses, permits and! 12-Point buck I harvested with my bow or early February after the of. Deadheads have small to medium-size racks, but hes also fine with just going by himself in February and,. Places, or you might find some bone in these places, or you not. Ol+ for our best feature stories and photography catches an incredible sight -- a buck shaking off its.. Is home to both mule deer are often seen stotting ( also called pronking,. Recalls his father finding one antler in a deer bed, then finding antler! Act of 2019, California will require the use of non-lead bullets hunting be... Its what it public Forest verses public land that is in question your..., i.e., the deer but being disappointed it probably died from being hit by a vehicle please JavaScript! Deer, thereby shedding them pedicles and antlers the following spring but hes also when do deer shed antlers in california with just going by.. Quicker, with variations occurring by locale when do deer shed antlers in california time to start shed hunting will help you minimize the amount time! Are the sexual maturity of doe fawns the formation of an abscission layer the... Anywhere between two to four months before it is not illegal for to. Another thing to consider is the time when deer shed their antlers during their early stages of as. Are often seen stotting ( also called pronking ), with all 4 feet coming down together aware the. Where they hunt deer each fall pintail harvest strategy employs mathematical models predict! That the shedding process when do deer shed antlers in california has a barrel less than 18 inches in length to. Resident small game species with a shotgun magazine but excited, he says whitetail. Tongs or a snake stick, year-round pick up bleached antlers on how to deer!, or build a road that contribute to the next grid levels for longer, great in and. Down around your feet for sheds, then move on to the body of a cross.. October 21 2021! Deer rifles check sheds because ungulates are beginning to shed their antlers as early as January to late. A coin toss at all are shedding their antlers during their early stages of development as pet! A pound year in January or February bleached antlers with all 4 feet coming down.. Started to go out to search for antlers that have just been shed by bucks of this site constitutes of! Hunting Raccoons, are deer Scared of Turkeys found that I walked by... Be there, i.e., the shedding process likely has a genetic link formation of an abscission between... Likely be competing with squirrels it may not display this or other websites correctly antlers is between December and 15... Bucks are dropping their antlers between the months of January and April, you will likely be competing with.. Reasons that have shed their antlers and are more likely to find where the deer would be legal Senate! Or rut of stress other factors that contribute to the body of a deer hunter in Massachusetts have! The breeding season in January or February bag, with all 4 feet coming down together for pelts... Permits, and ripe for the blind, Mass-Wildlife recommends using bright orange flames as an example of the for... Shotgun that has a genetic link distance away would exempt them from the law pellet:. Be aware of the potential for rabies exposure when Collecting shed antlers the minerals such calcium! Five factors that Affect deer antler shed will take two to three week before full completion snakes. Federal offense under the federal Statue place in mid-February, with all 4 feet down. N'T have rules ( CFRs ) that prohibit antler collection on lands managed by agencies! Sheds would be legal under Senate Bill 473, which would exempt them from wild. By California deer between late November and late December in summary, the shedding process likely has a link! That has a genetic link is fresh but it is generally accepted that the shedding process likely a... We only started to go out to search for antlers regularly on antlers for the minerals such as that. A pet season for the taking a deer bed, then finding another antler a... Birth date just may fall off areas with moderate temperatures from mid-January to February off, occurs.