Babbs in the Woods: On educating the general public about deer droppings
So, I’m standing at the customer side of the checkout counter at a Trader Joe’s in St. Louis. The checker – a guy who looks like he surfs in his spare time in California – seemed really interested in what I’d done over the weekend. I have sons his age, and was really, just in the process of swiping my credit card. So, I mentioned that I’d gone shed hunting. And frankly, folks, this is why I became a writer in the first place – because people talk to me in grocery stores.
Jana Waller finds uber big sheds out west! Photo courtesy of Jim Kinsey
He stopped running the groceries over the scanner and asked, “What’s that?
So I told him, because I figured he thought that I was referring to finding sheds to store implements or my tractor in. I told him about finding deer sheds.
And then, he said, “I didn’t know deer shed their antlers. I’m from Florida.”
Wow! We have some work to do, folks.
Then he asked, “Where do you find deer trails?”
I found this little beauty last weekend. Note the bump on one of its tines. iPhone photo by Barbara Baird
I explained that I’d heard that St. Louis had an urban deer problem and that probably several of the conservation areas around the city and larger green belts within the city might harbor deer. That he should look there.
Then he asked, “What would I do with a shed if I found one?”
And so then, we just went to the break room, had a cup of Trader Joe’s dark roast, freshly ground coffee and I listed 100 different ways to decorate with antlers.
No, not really.
I mentioned a few different things – like drawer pulls, chandeliers or just leaving them to lie around as conversation pieces.
He thanked me and said he was going to tell his girlfriend about that. I bet they’re out there this weekend, looking for trails and trying to discover something way better than mushrooms. Really.
I’m going to tackle a whole new set of deer trails. Because last week? I found a unique four-point as I worked my way up a trail from a draw in a holler. That’s Ozarkian talk for uphill on a deer trail.
I can hardly wait to take my granddaughters shed hunting some day. If you get an opportunity, go. And post your photos at our Facebook Fan Page!
Oh, and if you like that photo of my pal Jana Waller up there, with the big shed, check out her TV show, Skull Bound on the Sportsman Channel.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
Another of our families favorite pass times. Just told Hawk last night he needs to take a month off and we can go see you.. he said.. it’s shed season.. if I take a month off we are going to the back country.. (ummm.. and what about school?? Josiah is old enough to fend for himself for a month or two isn’t he? )
Still love your unique shed photo !~
Which is why your family is so cool, Stacey!
Went shed hunting in Missouri, but had to SHED my jacket, it is soooo warm!!