Every year as spring rolls around, people head for the hills to partake in one of the fastest growing outdoor activities around: shed antler hunting. In search of the highly sought after antlers known as “brown gold,” there is much more to this activity that only those who have tried can truly understand.

Shed hunting has a different meaning to every person. Regardless of the reasons for taking part in the activity, there is one undeniable similarity I found among each participant: they are passionate about the bones that antler bearing animals shed annually. For many, "passionate" may not be the correct word to describe the feeling. “An addiction unlike anything else” may be a more fitting description. But why do people get so hooked on something so simple?

To start, the feeling of finding a shed antler is something different than anything I felt before. It may be the most stereotypical way to describe shed hunting but it is honestly the equivalent of a very challenging Easter egg hunt. We all can remember what it felt like to be in an Easter egg hunt and find one of the prized eggs—such as a golden egg. Shed hunting is the same concept. Every antler you find is is the prized golden egg, whether it’s a fresh “brown” from the same year or an old “white” from previous years. Big or small, antler hunters love them all. I vividly remember finding my first ever elk shed. That moment started the addiction that I haven’t been able to shake since. Finding a shed is a moment filled with pride, relief, excitement and respect for God’s creations at the same time. I don’t know about you, but I can’t name many other activities where I get to experience all those things at once.

The best part-time job in the world is looking for sheds. With the antler market booming, many people look to shed hunting as a major source of income. There’s no boss, no schedule and no coworkers. It's you and the outdoors with the opportunity to make of it what you want. Whether you are a hobby antler collector or a serious name in the antler game, the financial benefits of shed hunting are undeniable. However, for most, the financial aspect is the least of their concerns.

Having the opportunity to be outside and spend time enjoying the creations God made for us is the root of the addiction in this springtime activity. Watching the snow melt, plants turn green and animals come out of hibernation are a few of the incredible things people who shed hunt get to experience. Some of my all-time favorite memories are from my countless trips looking for antlers. Making memories is what life is about, and shed hunting provides ample opportunities to do just that.

Whether you are a hunter or not, the feelings created by shed hunting can be enjoyed by everyone. I could go on listing why it is special to me. But, until you take the time to discover the truth about shed hunting for yourself, you will never understand why it is the greatest addiction you could have in your life.