A shortage of goods (in this case, large antlers) brings much higher prices to offset the effect of the demand. Several collectors I know, including Dan, will often buy sheds just to re-sell, thus bringing in revenue for several larger sheds that can be purchased later on. Thus, more quantity is sold, but higher quality (size-wise) is brought back into a collection.

Also, the re-selling of sheds provides extra cash for more shed hunting trips in other states, or more travel funds for expenses incurred in Dan's traveling whitetail display. My friend Bentley Coben, mentioned in Part 1, adds yet another perspective on antler prices.

"Another example of big antlers bringing large amounts of money into the shed collecting business involves shed replicas," Bent notes. "Just like with the racks themselves, replicas of sheds from top-end bucks are very popular among collectors."

Today, Bent not only shed hunts very successfully in Saskatchewan on his own account, he also operates a successful shed hunting guiding service (although he's never sold a shed he's personally found). There are even shed antler dog breeders and master trainers like Roger Sigler of Missouri who train and sell antler dogs for a hefty price.

DIFFERENT STROKES
Every shed hunter has his or her reason for why they love the sport so much, and the reasons are often varied. But not everyone agrees with some of these different reasons. For instance, I've seen several situations involving the Internet where shed hunters were bashed for selling the sheds they own, and I feel this needs to be addressed. I personally believe that if they're your sheds, you can do what you want with them. Period. I could never see myself selling any of my antlers, but it all boils down to what your priorities are.

As much as I love sheds -- and as much as I'd cry to see them go away -- if it came down to selling sheds or my family going hungry, I would do what I had to in order to keep my family secure. But if I can help it, my sheds are here to stay for a long time. The one thing I hate to see associated with the shed antler craze is the increase in antler-related crime that has taken place in recent years. The large sums of money offered for sheds and racks can bring out the worst in some people. Every time I hear about a huge rack or set of sheds being stolen, it sickens me beyond belief.

I've heard several stories about sheds being stolen from deer shows, and poaching sheds while trespassing on another's property has become a huge problem in many areas. As long as sheds are worth so much, the problem is not going to go away anytime soon.

THE FUTURE OF SHED HUNTING
We've talked about the huge increase in shed hunting that's taken place in recent years, and we've talked about the recreational and monetary value associated with it. One question remains: Where does the sport of shed hunting go from here? Let's take a quick look at where we're at right now. I can tell you that avid collectors like Bent, Dan and myself agree there are two types of shed hunters in this modern age-- recreational shed hunters and serious shed hunters.

Dan summed it up very well by saying, "Most hunter talk forums on the Internet have a shed hunting topic, and this has drawn a lot of interest from people who normally wouldn't have thought about it. The popularity of the sport is as strong today as it ever has been. However, 95 percent or better of today's shed hunters are classified as 'recreational.'

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