Montana shed hunting with the light winter

[Thomasj1107]

First year as a resident in Montana. What’s too early to start shed hunting?

With this ridiculously warm weather there’s barely any snow compared to what I expected, anyone starting really early?

 

[insanelupus]

With this ridiculously warm weather there’s barely any snow compared to what I expected, anyone starting really early?

*Whispering quietly with finger to his lips. *

"Hey new guy, we don't even dare whisper such things as these until July. Shhhhhhhhhh."

 

[35WhelenAI]

You check the laws in your new state as to when you can start? You're asking the question in February, look up when most areas open in montana. There's your answer.

 

[Thomasj1107]

You check the laws in your new state as to when you can start? You're asking the question in February, look up when most areas open in montana. There's your answer.

Sure did, which is why I was taking the next step to see if anyone had any useful feedback because that’s the point of the forum.

 

[Ross]

Guys are out. Mostly whitetails and moose so far. Muleys are just starting.

 

[Thomasj1107]

Guys are out. Mostly whitetails and moose so far. Muleys are just starting.

Is this uncommon for this time of year?

 

[Ross]

Nope about right on……..elk won’t be for another 7 weeks plus

 

[Rizzy]

They will be a lot more spread out due to lack of snow. As far as timing, that has a lot more to do with day length and bud swell.

 

[Ross]

A lot of speculation on the drop. I’ve watched 330+ bulls well into April. Then seen little 5s picked in late March. One bull I watched 3 years in a row on the day he dropped. His smallest rack was dropped 3/21 and his biggest 3/27.
IMO when they drop has to do partially as to when they are conceived. First estrus bulls drop earlier, than bulls conceived in the 3rd estrus bulls from late October. You then factor is winter stress, early greenup, a change in diet and age. Sadly the bulls I’ve talked did not want to verify You have to learn each regions subtle differences.

 

[Geewhiz]

Do the elk a favor and stay out of the winter range until they leave on their own. The last thing an elk needs at the end of the winter is some hooligan chasing them around to pick up an antler.