Earliest Shed of the Week Submission Comes In

Ahead of Schedule

RJ "Ron" Thomas was eager to know when Shed of the Week (SOTW) would start. His curiosity was piqued on Friday when he texted, "When does Shed of the Week start?" Little did he know, the earliest submission was already on its way.

A Record-Breaking Find

"I am getting ready to clear some brush and found this [Friday]," Ron texted. "By far the biggest I have ever found." His excitement was palpable, and his find was indeed impressive. The bucks of white-tailed deer shed their antlers annually, generally in winter. The bell curve of shedding peaks in mid-February, so generally SOTW starts in late January.

Laws and Regulations

In Illinois, sheds may be collected on private land with permission. However, it’s prohibited at all forest preserves and park districts. Additionally, shed hunting is prohibited at state parks, nature preserves, or where specifically prohibited, but allowed on Fish and Wildlife Areas, Conservation Areas, and Boat Access Areas, if open to the public.

The Celebration Continues

SOTW, the celebration of finding shed antlers and their stories (the stories matter) around Chicago outdoors, runs when apt in the paper Sun-Times, usually on Wednesdays. The celebration is not just about finding the antlers but also about the stories behind them.

How to Make a Submission

To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook, X (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside), or Bluesky (@BowmanOutside.bsky.social).

Conclusion

The earliest submission of the season has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting SOTW. We look forward to sharing more stories and photos of shed antlers and the adventures that come with them.

FAQs

• When does Shed of the Week start?
  • Generally, SOTW starts in late January, with the bell curve of shedding peaking in mid-February.
• Where can I find shed antlers?
  • Sheds may be collected on private land with permission, but it’s prohibited at all forest preserves and park districts in Illinois.
• How do I make a submission?
  • Email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook, X, Instagram, or Bluesky.