Antler Traps

[beachpeaz]

I have heard people bring these up in this forum.  Some people even have posted pictures.

 

I know it is a controversial topic.....not trying to start a pissing contest.

 

I have never experienced one first hand until shed hunting this year when I came across 2 of them!  Personally speaking, I think they are unethical and they piss me off.  I took extra time to take both of them down and make sure it was obvious that it wasn't the wind.  Both were the fenced variety with food poured around them.

 

What are peoples thoughts on these contraptions?

 

I know feeding the deer in NYS is illegal, so by association the antler trap should be also since you can't possibly have a trap without food!  In fact, I am surprised there are not regulations on things like this especially in NYS that regulates EVERYTHING.

 

What pisses me off even more is I enjoy the challenge of shed hunting every year.  I walk 100 hours or more in a year.  It is not supposed to be easy.  People looking to cheat the system....any system....I just don't have any respect for.

 

Curious if I am in the minority here.

[G-Man]

1st question is if you were on public or.private land,

2nd is what gave you the right to take it down? It may of been a research project...

3rd why would you not report it instead of taking matters in your own hands? Antlers are all off by now so perhaps you messed up a poaching sting operation.

[beachpeaz]

Those are legitimate questions G-Man.  Like I said, not trying to start a pissing contest. 

 

The first one was on private property and I presume done by the neighbors.  It was in a sneaky spot as to not be seen.  NO possible way it was set up for easy access.

 

The second one was on public property, and I left it up (against my better judgement).

 

I didn't say that I found them last week or that I though they were put up after all the sheds were off.

 

These were deliberate attempts at knocking antlers off during the peak time for that happening AND all had food around them (cracked corn). Which, regardless of the purpose of the trap, feeding deer is not benefitial to them and shouldn't be done.

 

There is nothing to report.  Antler traps are not illegal.  Yes, feeding the deer is, but go ahead and prove who put it there.  This was in a large track of woods with lots of neighbors.  Plausible deniabilty would prevail.

 

And no, it was absolutely not some sting operation, lol.  I have seen 1 wildlife / DEC guy in my 35 years of hunting this area and that is only because I called him due to tresspassers.

 

Research project...lol.  Even better.

 

I know who put the one up and I know what the purpose was.  If he does it again, next time I will take it down and make it a human trap in his yard.

Edited April 23, 2015 by beachpeaz

[Mr VJP]

I'm not one to look for shed antlers. I've never heard of an antler trap. Anyone care to post a photo, or describe one for me?

[phade]

I have seen in Ohio and VA where feeding was/is legal...alot of times I see the haybale design. Two haybales set aside to allow the snout in but deep enough to push the antlers off. Safer than the fencing but still dangerous in that it could prematurely force the antler off - although everything I read and understand is that the chemical make up to a shedding process is that the pedicle has the make-up to keep the antler on and then get weak to allow it to shed within a very short period of time (ie an hour or two).

 

I came across one here in NY on private ground (fence style) and I knocked it down too. Whatever. I strongly doubt the person had a research project on the private ground nobody else was to be hunting on according to the owner.

[kpkot]

Are human traps legal in nys? Jk

[beachpeaz]

I'm not one to look for shed antlers. I've never heard of an antler trap. Anyone care to post a photo, or describe one for me?

 

I should have taken a photo of the 2 I came across, but didn't.

 

In its simplest form (and don't get any ideas...lol) imagine 3 metal fence stakes driven into the ground in the shape of a Triangle.  usually a couple feet in diameter.  Now wrap chicken wire around the triangle.  Lastly, pour some found inside or around the base so when the deer bend over to eat, in theory, the antlers hit the fence and fall off (or get stuck and ripped off).

 

             o

           /    \

 food /        \ food

       /            \

     o ---------  o

           food

 

You have to at least dig my keyboard drawing...lol.

[beachpeaz]

Are human traps legal in nys? Jk

 

We will find out.  Bail me out if they aren't please.  lmao.

[beachpeaz]

I have seen in Ohio and VA where feeding was/is legal...alot of times I see the haybale design. Two haybales set aside to allow the snout in but deep enough to push the antlers off. Safer than the fencing but still dangerous in that it could prematurely force the antler off - although everything I read and understand is that the chemical make up to a shedding process is that the pedicle has the make-up to keep the antler on and then get weak to allow it to shed within a very short period of time (ie an hour or two).

 

I came across one here in NY on private ground (fence style) and I knocked it down too. Whatever. I strongly doubt the person had a research project on the private ground nobody else was to be hunting on according to the owner.

 

That is also what I have been under the impression of.  I hear they are realitively ineffective and that it has to be a MAJOR coincidence that the deer is there in a very short window AND hits his antler.

 

The one I came across that I did take down was much more elaborate than someone taking that chance.  It was easily 30' around.  Someone wasn't taking any chances with "chance."

 

we will see if they try to put it back up again.....

 

[Mr VJP]

Thanks for the info beachpeaz.

I can't believe someone would go to that much trouble for some antlers.

Before they were given any type of trophy status, it was common for people to throw them away.

[G-Man]

I've had salt blocks put on my property by trespassers and called the dec, the placed cameras and sat and watched and got the guy... dec need tips and help, baiting is illegal and I would.of reported it, a few ticketed and word travels and it stops, I've seen many more people trespassing looking for sheds and I report them as well, my road hunting and trespassing in odd season has dropped way off

[G-Man]

Sheds are worth quite a bit on money. For Chinese cures ground up and for lamps and decorations... it's a growing problem

[beachpeaz]

I've had salt blocks put on my property by trespassers and called the dec, the placed cameras and sat and watched and got the guy... dec need tips and help, baiting is illegal and I would.of reported it, a few ticketed and word travels and it stops, I've seen many more people trespassing looking for sheds and I report them as well, my road hunting and trespassing in odd season has dropped way off

 

I agree 100%.  I have major problems with tresspassing and won't flinch one iota on calling the authorities.  My wooded property butts up against a large field.  A couple years ago some idiot goose hunters were on the field as my brother and I were walking the wood line.  All of a sudden, these guys start shooting over our heads and towards my brothers house.  The pellets actually put holes in his siding.  They were taken away in handcuffs.

 

I have zero tolerance for tresspassing.  That is part of what pissed me off with the trap.  It was apparent who and why.  I probably should have called the DEC...you are correct.  Hindsight is always 20/20.  In the moment though, it made me smile destroying it considering the person who did it easily spent 5 or 6 hours constructing this elaborate set-up not including the amount of time carrying all that shit that far into the woods with all the snow we had this winter.

 

If he puts it back up, i will for sure report him (after I trap him in his own trap in his own yard...lmao).

[Pygmy]

Thanks for the info beachpeaz.

I can't believe someone would go to that much trouble for some antlers.

Before they were given any type of trophy status, it was common for people to throw them away.

I still throw them away...

[wildcat junkie]

I still throw them away...

They don't make very good soup do they.

[growalot]

http://www.outdoorchannel.com/article.aspx?id=28784&articletype=article&key=shed-trap-risks&p=ed

[wooly]

The biggest part of shed hunting for me is learning the land and how bucks use it naturally. Some of my most memorable critter encounters have also come on the trail miles from home. There's so much more to shed hunting than just the antlers IMO, and I enjoy it all no matter how many antlers I find... or don't find any given day.

 

Finding an antler at a baited trap station wouldn't really tell you a whole hell of a lot and I wouldn't expect it to add much understanding or knowledge about your bucks, and I doubt it adds many more antlers to the pile.

I don't think I'd get much satisfaction out of shed hunting being a "feeder checker", and a "feeder checker" doesn't hold a candle to a true shed hunter no matter how many antlers are dislodged at his trap.

 

I found a very large wooden trough style antler trap/bait station a few years ago. It had a conveniently low roof line with only a few inches for the bucks to squeeze their muzzle in for the corn while their antlers rubbed against the surrounding bungee cords above and below. I didn't do anything to it other than make note of it and then focused on the typical buck holding land features around it. I didn't find anything in the immediate area, but I did haul a few out of a thicket about a mile further up the same ridge over my next few hikes.

[beachpeaz]

http://www.outdoorchannel.com/article.aspx?id=28784&articletype=article&key=shed-trap-risks&p=ed

 

LOVE this little article!!  I wish it was required that you take a course on shed hunting and need a certificate to do so that includes information like this.  If you think that is far fetched, states ARE doing that.  I have to take an annual online course to get a shed hunting certificate for Utah now.  All shed hunters have to.  It reminds even the most moral of us hunters about habitat destruction (when idiots drive their wheelers and snowmobiles over the limited browse feed the deer have left at the end of winter), chasing deer out of areas and exhausting energy they don't have after a tough winter, obtaining the antlers ethically (without traps), and, in Utah, you can't pick up antlers still attched to the skull plate (dead heads) due to poaching issues.  You have to leave them, and report them!

 

I know people will be mad at me for even bringing this up, but I would love for NYS to make everyone who plans on picking up even a single shed to do a 15 minute online course every year and carry that certificate with them.

[beachpeaz]

The biggest part of shed hunting for me is learning the land and how bucks use it naturally. Some of my most memorable critter encounters have also come on the trail miles from home. There's so much more to shed hunting than just the antlers IMO, and I enjoy it all no matter how many antlers I find... or don't find any given day.

 

Finding an antler at a baited trap station wouldn't really tell you a whole hell of a lot and I wouldn't expect it to add much understanding or knowledge about your bucks, and I doubt it adds many more antlers to the pile.

I don't think I'd get much satisfaction out of shed hunting being a "feeder checker", and a "feeder checker" doesn't hold a candle to a true shed hunter no matter how many antlers are dislodged at his trap.

 

I found a very large wooden trough style antler trap/bait station a few years ago. It had a conveniently low roof line with only a few inches for the bucks to squeeze their muzzle in for the corn while their antlers rubbed against the surrounding bungee cords above and below. I didn't do anything to it other than make note of it and then focused on the typical buck holding land features around it. I didn't find anything in the immediate area, but I did haul a few out of a thicket about a mile further up the same ridge over my next few hikes.

 

I couldn't agree more!  Personally, i enjoy my walks.  After a long winter, there is nothing like getting some old fashion excercize and walking miles and miles.  And, the reward when you do find one is awesome because they are so hard to find.

 

[wooly]

LOVE this little article!!  I wish it was required that you take a course on shed hunting and need a certificate to do so that includes information like this.  If you think that is far fetched, states ARE doing that.  I have to take an annual online course to get a shed hunting certificate for Utah now.  All shed hunters have to.  It reminds even the most moral of us hunters about habitat destruction (when idiots drive their wheelers and snowmobiles over the limited browse feed the deer have left at the end of winter), chasing deer out of areas and exhausting energy they don't have after a tough winter, obtaining the antlers ethically (without traps), and, in Utah, you can't pick up antlers still attched to the skull plate (dead heads) due to poaching issues.  You have to leave them, and report them!

 

I know people will be mad at me for even bringing this up, but I would love for NYS to make everyone who plans on picking up even a single shed to do a 15 minute online course every year and carry that certificate with them.

 

I kinda like that idea. I don't see how that would break anyones season.

It would weed out some of the wannabes and leave more antlers for the guys that earn them!

[beachpeaz]

I was mad the first year the rolled that out and muttered as I went through the online training how stupid it was.  However, stepping out of my shell and looking at the big picture (and the issues i face in my area here in NYS with shed hunters), I could see the value in doing it and understand why they decided to do it.

 

Our DEC is WAY less active in enforcing anything than these western states (like UT) that have HUGE crowds come in for the limited draws so this would another responsibility for them to be out in the spring checking certificates and writing tickts....which, we both know will never happen.  If you can't enforce it, don't create it.

 

I can wish upon a star though.  Even if it helped 10% and weeded out the 1%, i think it would be benefitial.

 

If nothing else, it would remind people some common sense things that would help deer survival rates comes late winter.

[Pygmy]

I set out an antler trap once, but all I caught was some dude wearing shorts, drinking Genny and puffing on one of those electronic cigarette thingies....

[wooly]

I set out an antler trap once, but all I caught was some dude wearing shorts, drinking Genny and puffing on one of those electronic cigarette thingies....

 

Sounds like you're dealing with an old pro Pygmy!

Anyone that walks through the woods half naked looking for antlers through blood shot eyes and a cloud of fog must know what he's doing,lol

[Jeremy K]

My friend gets at least one shed a year stuck in his fence in Amherst, please don't take down his fence,it keeps his dogs in.