Antler shed hunting program being held at visitor center Saturday
Antler shed hunting is an outdoor activity able to be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. As it continues to grow in popularity, it can be difficult for some who are interested in trying their hands at finding antlers to know where to start.
To help interested individuals learn more about the basics of finding antlers, Keystone Elk Country Alliance Conservation Education Coordinator Ben Porkolab will be holding a free program on the topic at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the E. M. Jack & Jean Parker Outdoor Classroom.
Porkolab noted that he has been offering programs on antler shed hunting for the past three or four years, and the programs typically end up being well attended.
“I get more people from outside the area, at times,” Porkolab said.
Those who attend Saturday’s program will not be told specifically where to go to find antlers, but rather will learn about the basics of how to select an area on their own and what to do to look for antlers once they get there.
“I’ll be talking about time of year, tips, and training your eyes to what to look for. Not only that, but it’s good to know what kind of sign to look for as well.
You can’t really find an antler unless you’re in an area where antlers have been dropped, and they’re not everywhere,” Porkolab said. “It’s good to be able to look for those signs, and it gives you an idea that you’re in a good area.”
As long as the weather cooperates, attendees may have the opportunity to try their hands at locating antlers that Porkolab hides in a designated area at the center as well.
According to Porkolab, in this area, the majority of deer antlers tend to be dropped in December, January, and February, while elk typically shed their antlers in March, April, and May.
Porkolab added that antler shed hunting has a number of benefits, even if no antlers are found.
“It’s a very nice pastime because it gets you outside. You can do it on your own, or you can do it with family and friends. It’s great exercise. You can learn a lot. If you’re a hunter, you can be looking for new hunting areas,” Porkolab said.
Antler shed hunting is also an activity that is not greatly impacted by the weather, Porkolab noted.
“With hunting and skiing and other outdoor activities, weather affects it. With antlers, they’re out there to be found no matter what the weather is,” Porkolab said.
Time of day also does not matter when it comes to shed hunting, and no license is needed.
“There are a lot of positives for antler shed hunting. It's a lot of fun,”
Porkolab said.“I always refer to it almost like a treasure hunt, and the reason for that is because they're hard to find, and when you do find one, it feels like you found treasure.”
Regardless of whether individuals are able to attend Saturday's program, Porkolab shared a few reminders for all who plan on trying their hands at finding antlers in the coming weeks.
One important aspect of antler shed hunting is to be respectful of private property. This includes at the visitor center, as antler shed hunting is not permitted in the field.
“Also, it is illegal to pick up antlers that are still attached to the skull,” Porkolab said. “A lot of people don't know that.”
In addition to Saturday's program on antler shed hunting, there will be a program on bobcats offered at the visitor center on Sunday at 2 p.m.