So when do Elk and deer tend to drop their antlers in New Mexico. I plan to be out there the week of March 15th do do some looking around. I guess you could call it a scouting trip for possible future hunts. It wold be neat if I could locate some sheds.
Antler drop
- Thread starter Yell Co AR Hunter
- Start date
JimP
Administrator
While it isn't New Mexico here in Colorado mule deer are mostly bald headed in March.
Elk on the other hand wait a while. I have seen bulls still packing the last years headgear in May and I have also seen bulls with a lot of new growth in May so it is a toss up.
I'm not sure about New Mexico but a lot of states are passing laws on shed hunting to protect the animals from harassment and it isn't legal to pick any up until May or June. You might want to check that out. Shed hunting has turned into big business for some.
Elk on the other hand wait a while. I have seen bulls still packing the last years headgear in May and I have also seen bulls with a lot of new growth in May so it is a toss up.
I'm not sure about New Mexico but a lot of states are passing laws on shed hunting to protect the animals from harassment and it isn't legal to pick any up until May or June. You might want to check that out. Shed hunting has turned into big business for some.
I will check that out on legal side. I am not shed hunting really. Mostly just want to look over some country for possible area to hunt.
bux4brainz
Member
I think this depends on so many things...animal condition, weather, location etc...I've noticed the same areas are also different from year to year. In an area I watch every year last year at least 40-60% had shed by the 2nd week of January. This year is different, only 10-15% had shed by the 2nd week of January. I have heard the further south you go the later the deer rut & the later they shed. Elk in most areas will start shedding in a week or two & go clear through May. In most areas the deer are shedding right now.
CrimsonArrow
Very Active Member
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
The only way prices drop for sheds and antlers is for the demand to drop. Not happening right now, it has only increased (both price & demand) every year.
ColoradoV
Very Active Member
- Oct 4, 2011
- 798
- 823
There are about 25-30 bucks that winter around my house as of yesterday 0 had dropped even a side... Here we grow out late and drop later than most places. If history is a indicator in the next 2-3 weeks most will drop.
Elk are a bit later maybe 2-3 weeks after that.
Hope to get the kidos out again this year as they have grown to enjoy it.
Elk are a bit later maybe 2-3 weeks after that.
Hope to get the kidos out again this year as they have grown to enjoy it.
I am very well aware of that. Doesn't cause any less aggravation to see a truck full of people loading a trailer full of antlers and bullying other horn hunters out.