Shed Hunting

If treasure hunting and tromping through the mountains had a child, that offspring would be shed hunting. A favorite activity of many Wyomingites every spring, shed hunting starts in the western part of the state (including the Bridger-Teton National Forest) May 1 for residents and May 8 for non-residents. Non-residents must purchase a conservation stamp prior to collecting antlers. These are available at any Game & Fish regional office or any Game & Fish license selling agent.

“I grew up shed hunting, and it’s a spring tradition for me,” says Carlie Ideker, FBT’s Program Manager. “It’s a reason to revisit my favorite off-the-beaten-path places, to stretch the hiking muscles after a winter of skiing, and to welcome longer days on our public lands with my dogs and husband. Finding a shed is a bonus for me.” But, shed hunting isn’t only about us; it is also about respecting wildlife. “Spring is an important time for wildlife to recover,” Ideker says. “Even a mild winter depletes their stores of fat and energy. Being a responsible shed hunter means respecting any wildlife closures still in effect.”

Be Bear Aware

Shed hunting season coincides with black and grizzly bears coming out of hibernation. “Bears across [the BTNF] are becoming active with the spring transition,” says a Forest Service wildlife biologist. “Adult male grizzly bears begin to emerge from their winter dens in March, while females with young generally emerge between April and early May.”

* Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing earbuds.

* Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled.

* Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.

* Hike in groups of three or more people.

* If you see a bear, give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away. Do not run, and back away slowly.

* Keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet dishes, and toiletries inside a bear-resistant food locker/bear box or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up and vehicle locked.

* Secure garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.

* Do not eat or cook in your tent and never keep food or other scented items in your tent.

Here are other things to keep in mind when shed hunting.

* At the start of shed hunting season, not all of the Forest Service roads are open. Some have seasonal closures still in effect to protect wildlife parturition areas or long-term road integrity as the surfaces recover from the winter snowpack. No shed is worth poaching a road closure. If roads are open but muddy, either stick to the existing road or consider parking and walking further to avoid unnecessary damage. Driving around puddles or mud holes impacts vegetation.

* Pack plenty of water and snacks. Shed hunting can be hard work. Also, “you never know when you might be able to trade your wild game snack stick for the two-year old, still-green-on-one-side shed from your buddy’s pile,” Ideker says.

* Have a plan and let someone know where you’re going. “You don’t have to spot burn your honey hole, but share your general location with some trusted friends and family,” Ideker says. Also share when you expect to be back … and then remember to check in with them once you’re out. Armed with this info, “if you’re late to return, they know where to start searching,” Ideker says. “And, maybe they’ll come to help pack out the antler weight you’ve accumulated.”

* Finding sheds is never guaranteed, but being a courteous user is your choice. “Do your part to be a steward of our shared backyard,” Ideker says. “Be kind to others, follow agency (USFS or WGFD) rules and regulations, and leave the forest better than you found it.”

* Wyoming residents can register to be in the motorcade that gives participants first access to the BTNF that borders the National Elk Refuge at 6 a.m. on the first day of May. Registration runs from 12 p.m. February 19 until April 15 at 5 p.m. Between April 16 and 29, registrants are randomly assigned a place in the motorcade and can start lining up beginning at 8 a.m. on April 30 at the Teton County Fairgrounds. The motorcade departs at 5:40 a.m. on May 1. To learn more about the motorcade and to register, go to the Town of Jackson website.

Shed Hunting

Be Bear Aware

Here are other things to keep in mind when shed hunting.

Other Guides

Food Storage When Camping

Winter Responsibly Videos

Summer Responsibly

Let's be friends; sign up for our newsletter