However, mature bucks made up 22% of the total buck harvest the following year, when more (more than the 5-year average prior to the regulation change) bucks were harvested. Some sheds are white, others are brown and blend into the grass and leaves. Big bull elk winter in bachelor groups, says Schaufler. Copyright 2022 Kerrville Antler Buyers - All Rights Reserved. Leslie and his wife, Debra, have been married since 1992. Landowners and hunters throughout Texas have been following the results of this experimental regulation with much interest. This is independent of other bucks cycles and is probably centered on birth date. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? That is about what they were 10 yrs ago. In the graph above, you will notice that only 4% of the buck harvest was comprised of bucks 4.5 years old or older - prior to the experimental regulation. Hill Country Antler Buyers, in business since 1992, is one of the largest antler dealers in Texas. While employed with Koch Industries, Jennings spent one year at Ulysses Feed Yard in Ulysses, Kansas, and then moved into the corporate office where his responsibilities included purchasing feeder cattle and calves from throughout the United States, and managing pasture cattle to supply Koch's feed yards in Kansas and the Texas panhandle. Justin successfully started and developed a yearling operation for the group out of Shamrock, TX. In 1988, he founded his first cattle company, where he managed every aspect of the operation, including custom cattle orders, logistics, hedging, backgrounding and retaining ownership of cattle on specific grid programs. This is due to the majority of people shed hunting in the spring when the fresh brown antlers can be found. Through his time at the sale barn he started buying stocker calves for a number of local farmers around the area. A lot of the time, it is worth more to sell your smaller sets and price them per pound, instead of spending time and effort looking for the right buyer. Posts: 14. have velvet, stains, mold/mildew/algae, paint/lacquer/stain/sealer, or a The potential expansion (into other counties) of this antler-restriction regulation is not based only on the 3-year experiment in 6 Oak Prairie counties. That area includes the original 6 experimental counties, as well as the remaining one-buck counties in that particular Wildlife District. And if you're an antler buyer cruising the auctions or advertising in the local Mini-Nickel, a big antler is maybe $10 or $15 worth of profit. They walk too fast and look too far out front.. Walk every muddy deer trail that you can, and youll find bone. Size matters! Buy or sell an illegally taken deer, and you could face prosecution for a Federal Lacey Act violation (illegally transporting wild game over state lines). Our customers are the backbone of our business, and we know that! Hunting dogs are particularly good shed finders because they quickly zero in on the calcium-phosphorous odor of antlers. 2 were here. Hidden Antler Ranch - Fayette County, La Grange, TX, Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice. My profit will be about 50 cents a pound at the end of the year. Additionally, you can find some research results within the following web pages: It would be irresponsible of TPWD to propose regulations based on opinions and speculation. The horns of the blackbuck are ringed with 1 to 4 spiral turns - rarely more than 4 turns - and can be as long as 31 inches. Grade B: Antler in good condition, still natural brown color, may be a bit dull or faded on one side and slightly weathered, probably last year's drop. As is the case in many of the 147 one-buck counties in Texas, hunting pressure on bucks was extremely high in this particular area, and very few bucks were allowed to reach maturity. He dug through the leaves and uncovered a 5-point shed that scored 75 inches. While there are a lot of reasons why antler prices vary, it is a lot like the stock market where demand and prices fluctuate regularly. It is important to note that buck harvest dropped 38% during the first year of the experiment, as compared to the average harvest from 1997-2001. It was once believed that bucks withdrew to a secluded place to shed their antlersaway from does and rival bucksthus avoiding a public loss of virility. For example, one state has a rule that protects all bucks that don't have at least 3 points on one antler. If they give you statistics based on the number of antler points, you should question why they are not using a parameter more indicative of antler mass. Based on years of population data and harvest data, we cannot justify giving a "free spike tag." We Value Relationships We Pay Top Market Prices Other late-season fields to check are soybeans with some pods still on the ground, and last years alfalfa and clover. Well, it will - until those deer reach the On average a 200" set is worth about $400, but can vary depending on the overall quality of the set. Any help is appreciated! the harvest consists of mature bucks!!! AntlerBuyers.Com helps antler sellers connect with antler buyers! I prefer shed hunting over hunting. Michael Hanback Be critical. We sat for years without seeing any buck, but now we see numerous bucks during our hunts." This is my favorite place to look: A scrubby, overgrown field with some browse, berries, locust trees (deer love the pods), and the like. How Can TPWD Assume What Works in Those 6 Experimental Counties Will Work in Other Ecoregions Within Texas? You might want to sell some, so how much are they worth? 2023. Another state has a 4-point rule, which protects all bucks with less than 4 points. The primary goals of the experimental antler-restriction regulation were: Improve the age structure of the buck herd; Increase hunter opportunity; and. Having carried the "high-grading" discussion this far, we must be very clear with one important pointThis antler-restriction regulation is NOT a trophy-buck management strategy. Yet over the past few decades for a few dedicated enthusiasts, antler hunting has evolved from beer-money hobby to a thriving business. Talk to Greg for pricing on larger lots. A larger lake could easily be built in several areas of the ranch. Pleasant, South Carolina and currently sources cattle out of southeastern United States. Corn stubble is good, too. Come back next March and search again. Email subscriber privacy policy To keep from wandering aimlessly the woods, it helps me to mark off grids with trees, rocks, logs, and other landmarks. Any number of things could have caused the bucks demise: hit by a car, lost by a bowhunter last season, Hemorrhagic or even Chronic Wasting Disease. There are a lot of shed hunters that do it year-round. Antlers are hardest to pick out in full, harsh sunshine. A deadhead like Moose is an incredible if sad find. The Hidden Antler Ranch is located 12 miles west of La Grange, Texas on West Old Lockhart Road. Diehard whitetail hunters pride themselves upon collecting the same bucks sheds, year after year. A 180 set is worth approximately $150 to $200 depending on the look and characteristics of the set. Through his time buying for local farmers, Gary also started buying packer bulls and cows for Gibbons Pack out of Gibbons, Nebraska. age at which their spread exceeds 13". Back about 10 yrs ago there was a man that would set up a booth at Somerville trade/flea market and he bought shed antlers by the pound. The fact is, few bucks reach maturity within the experimental antler . I've got a bunch of brown elk sheds and some big mulie to racks to sell. But serious shed hunting will help you learn more about the animals you hunt in the fall. While you might spot an antler or two out in the open, be sure to walk and check brushy and grassy field edges. We are one of the largest Antler Buyers in the state of Texas. There was no biological reason for maintaining that as a criterion for a legal buck; therefore, we are proposing to simplify the regulation by defining a legal buck based on only the 2 criteria listed above. 1 talking about this. In winter, many bucks feel comfortable feeding and hiding in these gnarly spots, and drop their antlers there. You do this every year because you can get more money for the "better" animals. Each year when it's time to take some animals to the auction barn, you take the calves that are just a little bit bigger. We're simply trying to come up with a strategy that meets the needs and wishes of those managing the resource. Our antler grading process This strategy will reduce hunting pressure on most immature bucks, whether they're walking in the Pineywoods, Post Oak Savannah, Cross Timbers and Prairies, or Edwards Plateau. As the snow line recedes up the mountain, theyll go with it. If a bull group youve been watching dwindles in size, thats a good thing: You now know where the antlers are. Buy Antlers, Hill Because of these factors, mature northern bucks tend to shed first, followed by younger-age-class deer. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10 am - 4 pm. We In response to an overwhelming request for a change, the TPW Commission adopted an experimental antler-restriction regulation in 2002 which read as follows: The primary goals of the experimental antler-restriction regulation were: This regulation, which has been in effect since the 2002-03 hunting season in the 6 aforementioned counties, is designed to reduce the intense hunting pressure on bucks, particularly young bucks. Nontypical sheds can be worth more depending on the look and size. If the number of mature bucks in the harvest increases significantly over a period of years, while overall buck harvest does not decline (and other factors such as season length and bag limit remain constant), then there is an apparent increase in the number of bucks surviving to older age classes. Most older bucks shed antlers earlier than younger bucks do. Gary Hill was born and raised in Southeastern Oklahoma with a family deeply rooted in the livestock industry. Not sure of current prices. antlers If not, branch out, locate the herds and try to get permission to shed hunt those lands. Light Foot. Now that you have a good idea of where to start your search for antlers, and have secured permission to access as many private fields and woods that you can, get out there and go. Prices vary among antler buyers, but Grade A bone is currently fetching $16-$20 a pound. This is not a result of there being fewer spikes during the second and third years. Why Would You Want to Restrict Our Youth From Taking a Buck of Their Choice? However, this sort of regulation requires a fairly extensive education effort, as we want to be sure that hunters are well aware of the regulation change. We are obtaining a sample, rather than conducting a census. Justin gained a wealth of valuable skills and knowledge of the cattle feeding industry as well as how to handle, ship and receive cattle in a professional manner. 201 East Creek Street - Fredericksburg, Texas - 78624, Home 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 The value depends on the individual set. In August of 1993, Jennings moved to Wichita, KS and began working for Koch Industries, Inc. And like any lucrative enterprise, the antler market also has its . and cookie statement. Cover lots of ground in a slow, methodical manner and youll find twice as many sheds as you might have in the past. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Wildlife: The ranch is high fenced and has been stocked with superior genetic whitetail deer over the past three years. Felony prosecutions can bring fines up to $20,000 per individual and five years imprisonment. The southeastern-most counties in blue (Oak Prairie Region) are those for which the antler-restriction regulation has been adopted for the 2005-06 hunting season. They weigh much more and used to be in high demand. The property is protein fed year round. select for better quality (i.e., branched antlered) young bucks, and will Gary continues to use this company to provide local farmers and producers with quality calves from sale barns across Southeast Oklahoma and Northeast Texas, which are then marketed back through Crossroads Cattle Co. Jeff Lacina Mobile: 281-615-7001 Aron Snyder, Check your area as often as possible. Some people try to distinguish between young spikes and older spikes. Sheds are as visible as theyll ever be, and ripe for the taking. Kerrville, TX 78028 But you should wait to go shed hunting. We will mail out several thousand (50% to hunters, 50% to landowners) public opinion surveys in those counties in an effort to get a better idea of public sentiment. Or do you? Kerrville Antler Buyers - Antler Buyer - Kerrville, Texas Why Sell To Us Sell Your Antlers Today! During this time he had the opportunity to intern with JBS Five Rivers at Hartley Feeders. Improvements: There is a large barn which includes a living room/kitchen and large bedroom with an outdoor pavilion. The ranch is an excellent high fenced ranch with superior genetic whitetail deer introduced in past four years. Ohio Hunter Finds a Massive 233-Inch Deadhead Buck. If you want to see these data, and discuss the research projects thoroughly with the scientists involved, please come to one of our range and wildlife management seminars at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area. Please understand that most of what we read in the popular magazines are statements based on opinions and speculation. Each year I buy roughly 100,000 pounds worth of antlers and personally talk to hundreds of shed hunters across the West. However, during the third year of the experiment, 71% of the harvested bucks were at least 3.5 years old. Wear comfortable boots and carry plenty of water. The Life Quantities of less than 100 pounds can be brought to our location any personal information to the agency. Shouldn't We Be Concerned About Inadequate Doe Harvest? There are minor differences from one WMA to another. With just a little basic training, a bird dog can learn to find sheds, and then he can multi-task between retrieving ducks and shed hunting in spring, he says. In the event that an overwhelming majority of hunters and landowners request this regulation proposal, we will publish the proposal in Spring 2006. Other comments from those accustomed to seeing bucks - but young ones - include, "We're actually seeing rutting activity now! ANTLER: Deer, Elk, Moose (all grades needed) HIDES: Deer and Elk hidesfreshfolded skin to skin frozen or salted CATS; dry/grease (frozen flat with visible belly); Carcass Cats (if frozen visible belly) BEAVER: either dry or skinned, frozen flat folded skin to skin BADGERS: Whole frozen preferred..try not to damage skull Bucks drop their racks from late December in the North through March and April in the South. Multiple ponds on the property attract a large number of ducks in the winter. tag (assuming this gets proposed and adopted), they will greatly reduce the Catalog During the first year, roughly 43% of all bucks checked were "spikes." We are looking for antler from Europe, natural fallen. Montana shed-hunting expert Dick Idol told me he finds his biggest sheds in thick cover where mature bucks stage in winter, and along multiple trails that link sanctuaries with nearby feed fields. No representation is made as to the possible value of this investment or type of use, and prospective buyers are urged to consult with their tax and legal advisors before making a final determination. Kerrville Antler Buyer prices are among the highest prices in Texas! is Our Priority! Your contact information is used to deliver requested updates or to access your subscriber preferences. But before you get to that level, youve got to start with the shed hunting basics. What is the average price for a 200" set of deer antlers? Oak Wilt, Anthrax, Chronic Wasting Disease), invasive species, illegal trespassing, previous owner actions, neighbor actions and government actions. When they sell their sheds to me, and see how much they are worth, they usually tell their friends. As we move forward with our data-collection procedures, we will follow a design that will allow us to report harvest data with 95% confidence, and will allow us to detect a 10% change in the population over a 5-year period. that was designed to answer these questions, those older "narrow-rack" In 2010 Gary formed S&H Cattle Co out of Antlers, OK, which is an order buying and trucking company. Like the stock market, antler market prices will fluctuate. Right now there is a big demand for antlers because there are so many different things antlers are used for like crafts, chandeliers, jewelry, dog chews, decoration, knife handles, and medicinal purposes. Smaller bucks may hold theirs longer, into March. They have triplets born in 1998 (Ben, John and Eliza). Cookies are used optimize your website experience. If you find one antler, especially a big one, there should be another nearby, explains Schaufler. Send us feedback. Most spikes are yearlings, but most yearlings are NOT spikes. Bring a good binocular and a high-power spotting scope with a window mount on your drive, and youll be even closer to success. TOBY WEAVER (928) 205-8911 It could be of. Justin graduated from West Texas A&M in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in Ag Business & Economics. Trent came to work for Crossroads Cattle Co in February of 2016. As the connective tissue dissolves, the bucks antlers become loose and fall off. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. Grade C: Antler faded and weathered to white and chalky, maybe with some green color, likely on the ground for 2 or 3 years. If that is on the same ground where you hunt, great. Tom Carpenter, Bulls compete for pecking order all year long, and an antlerless bull knows hes vulnerable.. The property has approximately 1.5 miles of paved road frontage. A 380" set and larger will be worth between $550 to $1,000. Youve got to look close, real close, says Drury. Hes also a long-time mule deer chaser and shed hunter. Antlers are graded based on This strategy will allow hunters to "turn-over" Are Your Harvest Data Valid Since You Are Not Including the Deer that Were Transported Directly to the Locker Plants in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, etc.? Stay informed of the latest ranch listings and ranch property news. He currently manages the stocker/feedlot cattle ownership and risk management, as well as, buys and sells feeder cattle. Why add a second buck to the bag? We conducted 28 public scoping meetings in those counties during February and early March 2005, at which over 900 people attended and greater than 90% of the attendees requested TPWD to propose this regulation in their counties. Search for land and ranches on our properties page. Nate Oster. We are addressing the concerns regarding more flexible doe-hunting opportunities with other proposals, some of which were adopted by the TPW Commission in April 2005. With his new rack the next fall, the deer would be Boone and Crockett, and living on Dons farm. Moving to Red Bluff, California in the late 1980's, Terrill spent nine years as managing partner of Feather River Cattle Company, responsible for all aspects of the operation including genetic planning and selection, herd health, livestock procurement and marketing, and buying and selling commodities. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! After graduation he spent fifteen years with a Corporate Cattle Feeding entity, now known as Five Rivers. We buy deer antlers of all species - Whitetail, Axis, Fallow, Sika, Elk, Stag/Red Deer, Pere David's Deer and Mule Deer. Attention to detail on this ranch makes it a wonderful, turnkey hunting ranch in terrific area. Four new blinds/feeders/protein feeders are on the property located in opened areas for food plots. Texas Information About Brokerage Services. Kerrville Antler Buyers Pays Top Dollar For Your Antlers! By the way, the incidence of mature bucks that would not be legal Whether you're breeding horses for speed, chickens for egg production, or whitetail bucks for bigger antlers, it is not advantageous to remove the best quality animals and keep the poorer-quality animals (i.e., remove the fastest horses and keep the slower ones to breed). Based on 30 years of solid data (described below), from research The property is dominated by thick woods consisting of multiple oak species (particularly post oak), cedar, hackberry, and cedar elm. For example, you may be interested in how research results from free-ranging wild-deer populations compare to the results from captive-deer studies. Delivery time is estimated using our proprietary method which is based on the buyer's proximity to the item location, the shipping service selected, the seller . antler@ktc.com. Why Don't You Try This on Wildlife Management Areas First? Combine our prices with our most customer-friendly grading and you will easily leave with the most money in your pocket! Currently bringing $6-$10 a pound. After graduation Trent began to work on his Masters in Agricultural Economics. Deer antler sets scoring over 180" can usually be sold for a decent amount. Hunters who harvest mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, or other exotic CWD-susceptible species within the CWD Zones are required to bring . On average, a 350" set is worth about $400 and for every 10" above that add about $50. For example, a 180 set may be worth about $150 to $200, while a 200 set may be worth . Many of us have read numerous articles on the subject ("Shoot Spikes" or "Don't Shoot Spikes" or some other statements about genetics in white-tailed deer). 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Western shed hunters will backpack deep into the backcountry to find shed antlers from the biggest bulls in the unit. That surprise is what keeps me going -- for that chance to find a once-in-a-lifetime shed or something else really cool! Terrill Ostrum is a native of Fishtail, Montana, and remains an active partner in his family's commercial Angus and quarter horse operation. Here are a few scenarios to consider: You own a ranch in good range condition. Almost all (92%) spikes are yearlings, and 30 years of research data do not support the protection of yearling spikes.
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