How to Get Bargains on Deer Antlers

Look for sun-bleached antlers to save a few bucks.

There are many reasons you might want to buy deer antlers. You can use them to make chandeliers, lamps and even knives. And of course, as any hunter will tell you, you can call in big bucks by rattling a pair of antlers together to mimic a fight for a female. If you're looking at deer antlers and want to save money, keep in mind a few guidelines so you get the best deal possible.

Instructions

1. Consider the antlers' color. Yes, color make a huge difference in the price of deer antlers. For both mounted antlers and sheds, the browner ones cost more. Horns that are sun-bleached white fetch less on the market, but they might be fine for your purposes. In addition, antlers still covered in natural velvet will command higher prices.

2. Buy smaller antlers to save money. The bigger the rack, the more expensive it will be, in most cases. If you simply need antlers to make knife handles, a small set of horns from a spike buck (less than 1 years old) may be all you need.

3. Look for shed antlers, which sell for much less than a mounted rack. If you intend to use the antlers as a call, or make a knife handle or lamp out of them, a shed will actually work much better, and be cheaper to boot.

4. Look for deer antlers for sale in unusual places. Antlers often show up on online auction sites such as eBay, and you might get lucky with a low-ball bid. Check out sporting goods stores, yard sales and estate sales, both online and in person.

5. Call your local highway department. When a deer is hit and killed by a car, highway workers pick it up, and the department may let you take the horns off the animal.

References

• Bowsite.com: Graduate School for Rattlers