Antler traps.

[Skunked-Rookie]

I've seen videos online of people setting up stuff like chicken wire and dumping corn below it around the time when deer are read to shed their antlers. The way it works is the deer bends its head down eating the corn and the antler slips inside of the chicken wire. When the deer moves the antler comes off.

Anybody try this?

[BEEFEATER]

It is illegal in Mn, but it prolly works great.

[buckhunter21]

They are illegal and I dont think it would work that well anyways, I just couldnt see many deer sticking there head into something like that.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

The way it works is the deer bends its head down eating the corn and the antler slips inside of the chicken wire. When the deer moves the antler comes off.

Or, if the antlers aren't ready to come off the deer gets tangled in the chicken wire and dies a very slow, painful death.

[JimmyJames]

I prefer just using my spotting scope to see when there ready to drop, then I jump out of my truck and run like hell. Yank 'em right off .

[efgh]

You must be one fast man.

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

It seems no matter the "season" there are always some looking for a quick, easy way to get what they are after. The advantages of really looking for sheds go far beyond the actual find. The info learned from walking in the form of tracks, scrapes, rubs, beds, ect.... is invaluable for next season. I would hate to limit myself to a weekly check of a corn pile.

[icehousebob]

There's a farmer west of the cities that had deer eating hay from his stack. So between two large round bales he would put some shelled corn. The deer would stick in their heads and if the antlers were ready to come off on the bales, they did. Otherwise, no damage. The does and fawns ate for free.

[Skunked-Rookie]

It seems no matter the "season" there are always some looking for a quick, easy way to get what they are after.

Why not look for quick and easy ways, as long as its legal? Its called using your brain.

[Skunked-Rookie]

Kind of like this concept icehousebob. I doubt this is illegal.

[buckhunter21]

I would think that would be legal and theres no risk that I can see of a deer getting stuck under that but you have to remember that once you start feeding deer corn you HAVE to keep feeding them until spring because they become dependant on that for food. Also feeding deer pure corn like that can kill deer because the corn can cause high acidity which can kill the microorganisms that digest food (probably not an issue wherever that video was because there is little snow so there will be other things for deer to eat). If you do decide to feed deer corn you should start early in the year when they are less stressed so they can get used to it. If you cant resist feeding them use oats or soybeans mixed with corn. If you decide to feed deer do it the right way or dont do it at all or you will just be doing more harm than good. And doing it the right way is going to cost you big $$$ not worth it to find an extra shed or two if you ask me. Sorry to rant just I am not a fan of any type of baiting.

[Skunked-Rookie]

Sorry to rant just I am not a fan of any type of baiting.

No problem, I don't know if I would even do it. It just seems like a good idea, something I've never thought about. By the way, why are you not a fan of baiting? Is there something else you don't like about baiting besides it being illegal in this particular state.

[buckhunter21]

I guess its not so bad in a situation like this I just see more harm than good coming from it. With baiting in season or out of season you have the potential for transmitting diseases which isnt a big concern right now but I dont want to see what happened in the Skyme area happen anywhere else in the state. Another thing would be that predators like wolves and coyotes could take advantage of a baiting station and easily pick off deer while feeding. One of the biggest things I dont like would be the potential for poaching, I just think that some people put these feeders up out of season and I have no proof that people do this but it wouldnt surprise me that if the wrong person had a nice buck coming into there feeder every night out of season they might get the itch to poach it. Deer have survived thousands of years with no help from baiting so I just dont see any need for it. I guess I am kind of a hypocrite though because I am huge on planting food plots to give them the best nutrition possible but then again like I said before they have made it without food plots in the past but a 5 acre food plot is a little different than a pile of corn.

[hockeybc69]

Well, I bait at home. Simply because the family likes to see some deer in the backyard every now and then.

Very enjoyable in fact.

I dont do it to make them survive. So thats a bit different.

[icehousebob]

This seems to have become a discussion on on deer feeding so here's my humble opinion. Most people feed deer for the same reason as they have bird feeders. They help the critters through a hard time of the year and they get to watch them. I don't believe many people would poach a deer in their own back yard. As for the deer, or birds for that matter, becoming too dependant on the feed, I don't think that happens. Deer are browsers. They eat a mixed variey instead of just one food type like ruminants, unless they're in a starvation situation. Some years, I've put out alfalfa and a commercial mixed deer food and the deer come in and eat a bit, then nibble the apple trees, and then head to the neighbors' bushes. If the feed tray is empty, they go elsewhere to feed instead of waiting for me to fill it.

[lovebigbluegills]

I can't do it where I live (feeding ban), but I've heard of another type of antler "trap." Put an inch or so in the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket and place them in strategic spots. If the antlers are ready to come off, sticking their head in the bucket ought to do it.

[Skunked-Rookie]

I guess come to think of it now I know of one situation where feeding them has been a problem.

In my former hometown there is a handicapped guy that feeds deer and he lives right next to the highway, and sure enough there are more than the average number of deer hit by his house. Not good for the deer or the drivers.

[Musky Buck]

Well Rookie there are a few of these spots in MN. Believe it or not but I know the same situation where a semi came over the hill and killed 7, I repeat 7 deer in one shot. I was unaware of it until it was in the paper, but my count was in the 20's, 20 some dead ones crossing the road to get to the dude's feeder. That stretch of road was a blood bath most of the winter. I think antler traps are really borderline, just let things happen as they should for the bucks, then put on some miles and hope for some luck.

[vister]

i feel the best antler trap out there is a tightly laced pair of boots. dont be lazy, get out there and put on some miles!

[Skunked-Rookie]

i feel the best antler trap out there is a tightly laced pair of boots. dont be lazy, get out there and put on some miles!

Can't say I agree with your logic. I don't think trying something that might increase your chance of finding a shed in a pinpointed area makes a person lazy.

[Musky Buck]

I guess it doesn't make a person lazy but it makes a shed hunter a bit lazier. And if a person is just checking the trap and not looking elsewhere to find any unless you are in your 60's+ I think that is certainly not ambitious, that's what I think Vister was saying. Then again I know our society has been preached on the words free, cheap, easy, guaranteed, and like a deer taking the "easiest" route people do to when it comes to a lot of things. Anyone wonder why we are an obese nation? The word sweat has been taken out of a lot of things.

[vister]

Well put MB! That's exactly my point, is too many people are lazy. Besides, antler traps are illegal in mn anyways. I'd be curious to know how many people put out antler traps of some sort are also anti baiting. That would make one a hypocrite I believe!! I've logged many many miles the past few years in search of sheds, only to find antlers on dead deer. The deer winter in very dense, less desirable walking conditions in river bottoms around us. I'd just assume bust my balls and come up empty handed, rather than fabricate something that a deer could get his head gear tangled up in well before anything is ready to fall off!! Besides, there's nothing wrong with getting a little hike in is there?

[Duffman]

Deer shed traps are for the same type of guys who buy duck bands to put on their duck call lanyards.

[Musky Buck]

Bingo. I'm not sure it was well put, I wasn't aware they were illegal so what are we talking about. Illegal means don't do it. And Duff interesting point you aren't even sure you made maybe, people fit into types of people. Buying duck bands ? Please tell me that's not happening, if I ever see anyone doing or having done that, baiting deer or ducks, or using an antler trapping device. I would have to say " Admit you're a clown "

[InTheNorthwoods]

Besides, antler traps are illegal in mn anyways. I'd be curious to know how many people put out antler traps of some sort are also anti baiting. That would make one a hypocrite I believe!!

Probably not many (if any) because an antler trap would be mostly useless without some form of attractant (bait) to bring the animals to the antler trap.

Bottom line is they are illegal and can harm or kill an animal if they are constructed poorly.