Temperatures lately have been dipping down to 15 degrees below zero at night. Right now we’re in the middle of a heat wave. It was about 40 degrees today! I almost don’t even know what to do when it’s that warm in January, but I was way overdressed for the occasion. Today I was at home (admittedly still in bed) when the phone rang. A fellow shed hunter from Ohio, John, called me up and said he was in town. John has worked on Great Lakes ships for more than 30 years. This year he was working aboard the Indiana Harbor, a 1,000-foot ship that hauls iron ore and coal. Today was the last day of the Great Lakes shipping season. Unbelievably, after today they will let the ships freeze in right at the dock! I was still groggy when John called, but I was kicking myself for not inviting him shed hunting. 15 minutes later I called him back and asked if he wanted to go for a walk. He couldn’t until almost dark because he had to be aboard the ship, but would I like to tour it? Would I! It was an amazing experience. John says the ship, running full speed ahead, burns 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel a day. It was very cool and fun to meet John face to face. He had a small photo album and showed me some of the sheds he’s picked up in near his home, including three years’ worth off two different monsters. I didn’t think my day could get any better, but I went for a walk this afternoon. I was sort of going through the motions, just enjoying the weather and was lucky enough to pick up a matched set from a yearling 5-pointer. The sheds were about 60 yards apart. I never have much luck matching up my sheds and as of today have made it a goal to find more matches this year. Maybe John sent me some good luck. Either way, it was quite a day. Thanks John!
Congratulations Joe, you’re way ahead of me, I didn’t even find one yet. Haha
Comment by John Rittle — January 16, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
there still sporting the head gear here. saw a nice ten pt on my walk yesterday. wud like to have those sheds when he’s done with them
Comment by casey — January 17, 2010 @ 11:23 am
Found 1/2 a set today around 2:30pm driving around saw a deer trail and looked up it about 20 feet and saw G2 and G3 sticking out of the snow. First shed this year. Ontario Canada
Comment by Brad Harrison — January 17, 2010 @ 3:01 pm
Nice going, Joe! They look really fresh and colorful, too. You can even look forward to finding his sheds next year; you know he’s an early shedder, and where he lives. Can’t say that I’m not a little envious, but the weather was miserably damp and rainy today. Tomorrow’s another day. Definitely time to scout.
Comment by Roger — January 17, 2010 @ 3:51 pm
Casey, nice of you to let the buck finish using his headgear! Hope you get ‘em when he no longer needs them!
Joe
Comment by joe — January 17, 2010 @ 8:48 pm
Nice going on getting your first of the year, Brad! Hoping for many more!
Joe
Comment by joe — January 17, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
Nice! Gotta love the matched sets! We’re having some real nice temps yp here as well as far as January goes. I think we’ve gotten close to 60 a couple days! Went out to some other spots of mine and picked up two white antlers. I think the bucks in this area are still holdin. It’s funny how the deer in different areas cast there antlers at different times. Again, congrats!
Comment by Jeff Hauser — January 18, 2010 @ 9:17 am
Nice finds, Joe. I am happy to report I found my first shed yesterday (1/18). We still have several sporting head gear here in Ohio, though. But I’m starting to hit it hard now and if I have to, I’ll hit some spots numerous times if I’m expecting some sheds there. Congrats on your first. Hopefully they’ll be many more for the both of us.
Comment by J.M. Storer — January 19, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
Hi Joe!
Found my first shed this past weekend in Iowa! I just purchased your book a few weeks ago and it definitely helped me understand where to look! I can’t deny that having a boyfriend that’s been doing it a few years also made it a little easier! I did find it all on my own though! It was a left side, 4 point found in a bedding area. It was fresh and appeared to come from a 2 year old buck!
Comment by Kelli — January 19, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
Way to go Kelli, that’s awesome! Glad you found the book helpful. Hope you find lots more this season!
Joe
Comment by joe — January 19, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
Joe, nice article. I had to read it to my wife. Now she wants to meet the famous Joe Shead too. Good talking to you, maybe we’ll find a few together in the spring. Nice weather down here in Ohio hope to find some soon. Good Luck, John
Comment by John — January 21, 2010 @ 1:39 pm
Hey John,
Thanks a million! It was a real thrill to see that ship! It’s an experience I won’t forget. Hope you get into some sheds now. Glad to hear you’ve got nice weather. It’s supposed to snow here! Good luck!
Joe
Comment by joe — January 21, 2010 @ 1:50 pm