2009.02.19
Sheds tell the tale: The monsters made it
In September I posted a shot of two large bucks still in velvet. One was a great 10-pointer; the other an awesome non-typical with at least two, and maybe three drop tines. The picture prompted some interesting debate about which deer was the most desirable for a hunter.
The bucks were photographed in a suburban area where hunting could be possible, but is not really practical. Plenty of folks were aware of these deer so I wouldn't have been surprised if one or both had been killed during the seasons. As far as the non-typical, for sure, had it been killed I'm pretty sure word would have gotten around.
Well, both deer made it through the season. Last week I got a call that a couple of kids playing in the woods had found three of the four sheds.
This was exciting news. First and foremost, I was thrilled to hear that some kids still get out and play in the woods. Of course I was eager to see the sheds in person, something I was able to arrange on a recent evening.
It was pretty funny setting it up with my buddy who was serving as the intermediary. It was like we were setting up some kind of ransom exchange when called me and said, "The sheds will be there in 10 minutes, but we don't have long."
So here they are.
Eleven-year-old Ante Coric found the right side of the non-typical and the left half of the 10-point. Ben Rosenberger, also 11, found the other half of the 10. In the attached pic he's holding the matching set.
I didn't measure the antlers. Based on my rudimentary knowledge of deer scoring I'd say the 10 would be about a 140- to 150-class buck. A great deer, but not that unusual.
The non-typical was pretty cool. It had gnarly bases and at least seven scoreable points. The G-2 was more than 14 inches long. The drop tine was about 8 inches long. The other side had more points and more inches, obviously. I don't feel any inclination to change my original guess of it grossing about 190 B&C.
Having these sheds in my hands made me eager to get back out there for some more shed hunting. I may try that one of these weekends. I've got a couple spots in mind. (No, the spot where these were found isn't one of them.)
I wanna go play with these boys.
--These kids reminded me of myself when I was their age -- if I wasn't playing sports I was out on adventures in the neighborhood and on the big mountain behind us. Those were the days... mt
Comment by Travis McCroskey — February 20, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Man, they are some nice sheds!!!
Comment by Todd Hostetter — February 21, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
Mark, I sure thought these pictures would get more comments than they have. I've been waiting all season to see if someone shot one of the deer or found the sheds. As many comments as you had over the first pics,I was sure they would be burning up this page. Those antlers are awsome and its a much better example of how massive they are as compared to the first pic. I'v been looking for sheds a little bit but not as much as I would like.I hope those kids find the other side of old drop tine,becuse that was the best one. Keep up the good work.
Alfie
-- I'm kind of surprised they're not getting more comments, either. You just never know. I spent a few minutes Saturday looking for sheds in a strange spot. I'll give you details next time I see you. mt
Comment by Alfie — February 22, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
I'm pretty sure one if not both of these deer live in my neighborhood and have spend many a night in my back yard. I'm pretty sure the one with the narly tines was in my back yard off Colonial Ave. all summer long. I found one shed last week but it was only a five point. I know of at least two other people looking for these antlers around the neighborhood. These people freaked out that there were 8 to 10 deer living in the backyard but none in his hunting spot an hour or two away.
Comment by steve mc guire — February 23, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
GOOD SCOUTING TO TWO FINE HUNTER'S.
Comment by MARK PENDLETON — February 23, 2009 @ 6:09 pm
Steve, you have to show me that 5pt shed at the next yard sale:)
Alfie
Comment by Alfie — February 23, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
Congrats to these kids for finding some awesome sheds. It's great they're outside instead of playing video games. I went out looking for sheds on hunting property in Botetourt County on Feb. 15, but came up empty. I jumped a couple rabbits and saw a gang of turkeys. I enjoyed the scenery and the exercise.
Comment by Carl C — February 23, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
Nice sheds boys. these are sheds of a lifetime. I have been shed hunting for a long time and the biggest ones i have found are in the 140's B & C. the sheds on the right may push the upper 150's maybe 160, based on a 18" spread. stay in the woods young men.
--Great comment, Bo! Thanks. mt
Comment by Bo — February 25, 2009 @ 9:36 am
I was surprised last night to have a decent buck (maybe 15" spread, not sure on total points) walk across the road in front of my car, still wearing his headgear - both antlers still apparently firmly attached. He had his head down walking about 10 feet behind a doe - things that make you go "hmmmm." He too was in a residential neighborhood, albeit in Botetourt, not Roanoke. About 10 years ago I recall seeing 3 eight-pointers running together in late winter with all 3 still wearing their headgear - don't recall the exact dates, but it was well into February or March.
--Deer biologist Matt Knox just told me that taxidermist Melvin Mitchell of Lynchburg told Matt he'd seen a bunch of bucks with antlers in his yard within the past couple of weeks. Amazing that the shedding window can be so long. mt
Comment by botetourtsteve — February 25, 2009 @ 9:35 pm
Nice sheds - wish I could stumble across some like that as well. Mark, I recall seeing a photograph by Charles Alshiemer (Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine) of two bucks feeding in early spring. One was showing new growth of 3-4" antlers while the other still had at least one if not both sides of his antlers from the previous season. He explained it had a lot to do with the individual deer's hormone levels. Interesting info, I thought.
-- I don't recall that photo, but it makes perfect sense. mt
Comment by Dutch — February 26, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
If hunting was possible there I'm really surprised someone didn't take those bucks last year. Great find by those kids though!
-It's Roanoke County, so there is hunting. But it's suburban so it's not really practical. My bet is those bucks will live until they get hit by a car, shot by a sharpshooter if they cross into Roanoke, or die of old age. mt
Comment by Tommy Nunley — March 5, 2009 @ 1:59 pm