Shed Hunting
"The definition of shed hunting (is the) pursuit of finding antlers that have been naturally shed by any antler-bearing mammal such as moose, caribou, elk, and deer." ~Mossy Oak
In 2017, the United Kennel Club announced the development of a Shed Hunting program to test and recognize the efforts of dogs who excel in the retrieval of sheds. It is called the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series. The structure of the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series rules is specifically devised to aid in the identification, selection, and classification of dogs that hunt in an appropriate style effective for the recovery of shed deer antlers.
The goal of the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series is two-fold:
- The improvement of dogs used for recovering shed antlers by the recognition of individual dogs of outstanding merit
- To provide shed dog owners with a family friendly environment in which to enjoy participating in an activity that promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle for all individuals and their dogs
With the right introduction and a little bit of training, you can turn any canine athlete into a shed hunter. Though the sport was originally developed with hunting dogs such as Labrador Retrievers or Chesapeake Bays, many non-sporting dogs participate. If your dog is in good shape and able to go out and cover some outdoors, they just may be the next Shed Hunt Star!
See below for a selection of our offerings to get you and your dog introduced to shed hunting or help you step up your current game.
