Where to Go Shed Hunting in Utah: A Guide to the Best Spots
Utah is a hotspot for shed hunting, with its diverse terrain and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re looking for elk, deer, or pronghorn sheds, you’re sure to find them in Utah. In this article, we’ll cover the best places to go shed hunting in Utah, as well as tips and tricks for successful shed hunting.
We’ll also discuss the different types of sheds you can find in Utah, and how to identify them. So whether you’re a seasoned shed hunter or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about shed hunting in Utah!
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Location | Best Time to Go | Tips |
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Uinta Mountains | April-May | Look for sheds in areas with heavy elk and deer populations. |
Wasatch Mountains | March-April | Shed antlers are often found in clearings and along game trails. |
Bear River Mountains | March-May | Look for sheds in areas with thick brush and timber. |
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Best Places to Go Shed Hunting in Utah
Utah is a great place to go shed hunting, with a wide variety of public lands and private properties where you can find antlers from elk, deer, moose, and other animals. Here are some of the best places to go shed hunting in Utah:
- National Forests
The U.S. Forest Service manages over 2 million acres of land in Utah, much of which is open to hunting. This includes several national forests that are prime spots for shed hunting.
- State Parks
Utah’s state parks offer a variety of hunting opportunities, including shed hunting. Some of the best state parks for shed hunting include:
- Bear Lake State Park
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Dixie National Forest
- Goosenecks State Park
- Horseshoe Canyon
- Manti-La Sal National Forest
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Red Canyon
- Zion National Park
- BLM Land
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 24 million acres of land in Utah, much of which is open to hunting. This includes several BLM districts that are great places to find shed antlers.
- Private Land
If you know someone who owns private land in Utah, you may be able to get permission to go shed hunting on their property. This is a great way to increase your chances of finding antlers, as private land is often less heavily hunted than public land.
When to Go Shed Hunting in Utah
The best time to go shed hunting in Utah depends on the species of animal you are looking for.
- Elk: Elk shed their antlers in the spring, usually from March to May. The best time to go shed hunting for elk is early in the season, when the antlers are still fresh and easy to find.
- Deer: Deer shed their antlers in the winter, usually from December to February. The best time to go shed hunting for deer is late in the season, when the antlers are more likely to be on the ground.
- Moose: Moose shed their antlers in the fall, usually from September to October. The best time to go shed hunting for moose is early in the season, when the antlers are still fresh and easy to find.
Shed hunting is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Utah’s wilderness. It’s also a great way to learn more about the animals that live in Utah and the habitats they depend on. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding outdoor activity, shed hunting is a great option.
Where to Go Shed Hunting in Utah?
Utah is a great place to go shed hunting, with a wide variety of terrain and habitats that can support a variety of deer species. Here are a few of the best places to go shed hunting in Utah:
- The Wasatch Mountains are a popular spot for shed hunting, as they are home to a large population of mule deer. The mountains offer a variety of terrain, from open meadows to dense forests, which can make for a challenging and rewarding hunt.
- The Uinta Mountains are another great option for shed hunting, as they are home to a variety of deer species, including elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. The mountains offer a variety of terrain, from open meadows to dense forests, which can make for a challenging and rewarding hunt.
- The Great Basin Desert is a unique and challenging environment for shed hunting, but it can be very rewarding. The desert offers a variety of terrain, from open sagebrush flats to rugged canyons, which can make for a challenging and rewarding hunt.
- The Colorado Plateau is a vast and rugged region that is home to a variety of deer species, including elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. The plateau offers a variety of terrain, from open grasslands to dense forests, which can make for a challenging and rewarding hunt.
What to Bring Shed Hunting in Utah
When you go shed hunting in Utah, there are a few things you will need to bring with you. Here is a list of essential gear:
- Shed hunting boots are a must-have for any shed hunter. They should be sturdy and provide good ankle support.
- Shed hunting gloves will help protect your hands from the elements and from sharp antlers.
- A good pair of binoculars will help you spot antlers from a distance.
- A rangefinder will help you estimate the distance to antlers.
- A GPS unit can be helpful for keeping track of your location and for finding your way back to your vehicle.
- A camera is a great way to document your finds and share them with friends and family.
- Food and water are essential for any outdoor activity, and shed hunting is no exception. Make sure to pack plenty of food and water, especially if you plan on being out for a long time.
- A first aid kit is always a good idea to have on hand, just in case.
- A headlamp or flashlight is essential for shed hunting in the early morning or late evening.
Tips for Shed Hunting in Utah
Shed hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips:
- Scout the area before you go shed hunting. This will help you identify the best areas to look for antlers.
- Be patient. Shed hunting can be a slow process, so it’s important to be patient and persistent.
- Don’t give up. Even if you don’t find any antlers on your first few trips, don’t give up. Shed hunting is a numbers game, and eventually you will find some antlers.
- Enjoy the outdoors. Shed hunting is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the area you’re hunting in.
Shed hunting is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It’s also a great way to learn more about deer and their habits. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding outdoor activity, then shed hunting is definitely for you.
Where is the best place to go shed hunting in Utah?
There are many great places to go shed hunting in Utah, but some of the best spots include:
- The Wasatch Mountains: The Wasatch Mountains are home to a variety of deer species, including mule deer and elk. Shed antlers can be found in the forests and meadows of the Wasatch Mountains, as well as along the hiking trails.
- The Uinta Mountains: The Uinta Mountains are another great place to go shed hunting. These mountains are home to a variety of big game animals, including moose, elk, and deer. Shed antlers can be found in the forests and meadows of the Uinta Mountains, as well as along the hiking trails.
- The Great Basin: The Great Basin is a vast desert region that covers much of Utah. Shed antlers can be found in the sagebrush flats and canyons of the Great Basin, as well as along the hiking trails.
When is the best time to go shed hunting in Utah?
The best time to go shed hunting in Utah is in the spring, after the snow has melted and the ground has thawed. This is when the deer and elk antlers are shed, and you’ll have the best chance of finding them.
What should I bring with me when I go shed hunting?
When you go shed hunting, you should bring the following items:
- A pair of hiking boots
- A backpack
- A water bottle
- A camera
- A pair of binoculars
- A shed antler kit (this includes a hammer, chisel, and file)
How do I find shed antlers?
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding shed antlers:
- Look for areas where deer and elk are known to live.
- Look for areas where there is a lot of deer and elk activity, such as rubs and scrapes.
- Look for areas where the ground is covered in leaves or pine needles. Shed antlers are often easier to spot in these areas.
- Look for shed antlers along hiking trails and in clearings.
What should I do if I find a shed antler?
If you find a shed antler, you should do the following:
- Take a picture of the antler. This will help you identify the species of deer or elk that shed the antler.
- Mark the location of the antler so you can find it again later.
- If you are interested in keeping the antler, you can clean it and mount it on a plaque.
Where can I learn more about shed hunting in Utah?
There are a few resources you can use to learn more about shed hunting in Utah:
- The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offers a variety of resources on shed hunting, including a shed hunting guide and a list of shed hunting regulations.
- The Utah Shed Hunters Association is a non-profit organization that promotes shed hunting in Utah. The association offers a variety of resources, including a shed hunting forum and a shed hunting calendar.
- There are a number of books and websites that offer information on shed hunting. Some of these resources include:
- “Shed Hunting: A Guide to Finding Deer Antlers” by John E. Taylor
- “The Ultimate Guide to Shed Hunting” by Steve Bartylla
- “Shed Hunting: A Beginner’s Guide” by Craig Dougherty
- “Shed Hunting Utah” by Randy Newberg
I hope this helps! Happy shed hunting!
Utah is a great place to go shed hunting, with a variety of public and private land options available. The best time to go is in the spring, after the snow has melted and the weather has warmed up. Be sure to bring the proper gear, including a good pair of boots, a shovel, and a rake. And don’t forget to bring your camera, as you’re sure to see some amazing wildlife while you’re out there.