Steven Drake's Shed Hunting Kit
Steven Drake's Shed Hunting Kit
Steven Drake works as a professional hunting photographer. His travels have taken him all over the globe documenting various hunting pursuits. Outside photography, Steven's biggest passion is expanding his knowledge base on deer and elk through the pursuit of shed antlers. He spends multiple days in the winter scouting winter ranges then in late-spring, after antlers have dropped he spends 30+ days with boots on the ground looking for shed antlers. Here are some of Steven's top gear recommendations for finding more sheds.
Steven's Top Picks
Built for epic adventures in harsh environments, the BX®-5 Santiam® HD 10x42mm binocular dominates other optics in its class. It's the perfect glass anyone who demands professional-grade performance. The 10x provides enough field of view for tight areas, while delivering enough magnification for wide-open spaces.
With your binos mounted on a tripod all hand shake will disappear and you'll be able to most effectively pick apart the terrain, letting your eyes do the walking as you spot shots from hundreds to thousands of yards away.
A highly versatile single or multiday shed hunting, or hunting, pack. The Metcalf has a large main compartment for extra gear, removable lid for organization, a beefy yet nimble frame for hauling huge loads and enough straps to lash on the most awkward load of shed antlers.
The SX™-5 Santiam® HD 27-55x80mm is designed with rugged performance in mind. Whether you need all-day performance in the backcountry or a bright, clear image at the range, this spotter will deliver at the highest level and in the toughest conditions.
Leupold’s Alpine Carbon Fiber Tripod takes lightweight performance to the next level. If you’re constantly counting ounces because you’re packing in for miles, look no further. Its compact design weighs in at a mere 32 ounces, while its rugged carbon fiber and metal construction stand up to the harshest conditions.
At only 5.6 oz The Vapor SD Jacket had little weight consequence in your pack yet can handle all the rain, sleet and snow shed hunting can throw at you in the spring time months.
Steven's go-to puffy jacket. Unlike down, this puffy utilizes Synthetic Primaloft insulation and wont lose it's loft if it gets wet. Use it for everything from backcountry hunts and off-season scouting trips to everyday life; it slips comfortably under a shell whenever you need an extra shot of warmth.
The Becnara® fuses Leupold® performance with everyday style. Polarized, rugged, and incredibly clear; they will never let you down. Any day or any adventure, the Becnara stands out in the field.
Steven shares his tactics and secrets on finding shed antlers in this online course.
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Shed hunting is a fun spring time hobby that cures cabin fever and continues the year-round pursuit of hunting. If you're ready to hit the trails, here are three quick tips Steven Drake offers to help you find more antler sheds.
“Anyone’s Hunt” shares lesser-known, over-the-counter hunting opportunities available to the DIY hunter. In this installment of the Anyone's Hunt series, professional hunting photographer Steven Drake and his fiancée Keren hunt general season mule deer in their home state of Montana.