Popeye- The Most Famous Sheds : Hunting Illustrated Spring 2002

Hunting Illustrated Spring 2002: The Most Famous Sheds

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The Most Famous Sheds - "Cover Story"
by Editor

The famous Popeye buck eluded hunters year after year but showed off during spring.

In 1993 there surfaced a buck that would turn out to be one of the most popular and sought after bucks ever. This huge Wyoming buck got his nickname because one look at his antlers and your eyes would "pop" out- hence the name "Popeye". During a five-year period three full and two single sheds were found from this monster buck. Each year they grew bigger! Hunters dreamed of finding Popeye during the hunting season, but Popeye eluded hunters year after year. Popeye on the winter range in Wyoming

Because of the popularity of this buck on the winter range, it was only a matter of time before Popeye would come to an end.

How big did Popeye get? The set of sheds from the 1996-97 season proved Popeye was in the monster buck class. His sheds were officially scored at 240 1/8 net non-typical with 17 inch G-4s and a whopping 41 3/4-inches wide. The legacy of Popeye ended in 1997 when he was last seen in March looking thin. He did not return to the winter range in 1998 like he had done for many years. It was almost ironic that Popeye died of natural causes and not by the gun. We will remember him as one of the great mule deer of our generation

Cover Story Sidebar Features

The Buck of Justice Once Again is Judged ----->

The most talked about desert buck of the past decade is found dead

The Sheds of a World Record ----->
After eight unsuccessful years, the sheds of a world record are found

The Most Famous Sheds -----> "You are Here"
The famous Popeye buck eluded hunters year after year but showed off during spring

One of the largest elk sheds ever found ----->
The sheds score an unbelievable 488 gross B&C points

The Boom of Shed Hunting ----->
The popularity of shed hunting has become as exciting as opening day of the deer hunt for many

Winter Range Ethics

Shed hunting is at its most popular time as far as the number of people heading into the hills. Like most good things, it will come to an end if we don't manage our actions and make wise choices. Deer and elk lose their antlers on the winter range and during a very crucial time of survival. The winter range is an area of retreat where deer and elk migrate to from the higher elevations to escape the deep snow. This winter range area is vital to the survival of the deer and elk herds. This is a time when they must conserve energy to get through the bitter cold conditions and decreased food supply.

Why is this information important for the shed hunter? Because shed hunters, anxious to be the first to get the dropped antlers, can put life threatening pressure on these animals if they pursue them in the hills. The energy that has been stored to get these deer and elk through the winter will instead be used to flee ignorant shed collectors and eventually lead them to an early death. This is a problem that will only get worse as the popularity of shed hunting increases. For example, in 1997 when Popeye was just about to drop his second side, there were 27 trucks lined up on the winter range watching and in pursuit.

Whether you are a die-hard shed hunter or just a weekend beginner, if we don't act with integrity and follow the ethics of nature, shed hunting will be taken from us. Southeast Idaho is already closed to shed hunting until May 1 and similar restrictions have been submitted into legislation for Wyoming. Other areas throughout the West have road closures and date restrictions as well. Like hunting itself, we want our kids and our grandkids to enjoy the thrill and fun of shed hunting and enjoy the beauty of wildlife and the outdoors. Let's not allow this to be taken away from us because of our own ignorance and selfishness.

What do you need to know before heading out into the hills
* Put wildlife first - keep your distance
* Do not chase, push, or pursue game during this crucial time
* Keep ATVs and trucks on designated and legal roads
* Go out on foot or horseback and get permission before entering private property
* Check the hunting proclamation for any regulations on shed collecting for your state
* Take a friend along and have fun