How to Train Dogs to Hunt Shed Antlers

Hunting for shed antlers during the winter keeps your hunting dog in shape and expands your antler collection. Male deer use their antlers to fight for territory and impress females during mating season, shedding them after the rut in autumn. Almost any breed of dog can be taught to locate sheds, although natural retrievers such as Golden and Labrador Retrievers are most commonly trained for this.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Antlers
  • Deer scent
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fit your dog with a buckle collar and leash. A collar and leash gives you control over the dog during training and keeps him from wandering away as you work.

    • 2

      Add a few drops of deer scent to a set of antlers and place them on the floor in front of the dog. Give the dog a search command and walk him towards the antlers. You can use any word you like, although short words such as "hunt" or "find" work well.

    • 3

      Allow the dog to sniff the antlers to familiarize him with their shape and scent.
      Pick the antlers up and wave them back and forth in front of the dog. Place them near her muzzle and encourage her to take them, pressing gently against her lips until she opens her mouth. Praise her with a treat as soon as she holds them on her own. Repeat the process until she picks them up on her own when asked to find them.

    • 4

      Ask a helper to hold the dog as you drag the antlers along the ground to produce a 20-foot long scent trail for the dog to follow. Set the antlers in low cover, such as grasses or a bush to hide them from view. Return to the dog and walk him along the trail, giving the hunt command and pointing to the ground so the dog puts his head down and sniffs out the scent. Follow him to the antlers and allow him to pick them up, removing them from his mouth before praising with a treat.

    • 5

      Extend the track by 10 feet during each training session until the dog is following a 50-yard trail without wandering off course. Place the antlers in low tree branches so the dog learns to look for them in raised areas as well as on the ground. Antlers often become lodged in low branches, as deer will rub their heads on low branches.

    • 6

      Transport the dog to a wooded area with a large deer population to hunt for shed antlers. Remove the leash, asking the dog to hunt. Follow her as she sniffs out a trail, repeating the command if she becomes distracted. Give her a treat and praise her lavishly when she locates shed antlers to reward her for a successful hunt.