Shagbark seedlings normally produce a long taproot and very little top growth during early development. i.e. 1-year-old seedlings could have root length 1' and a top height of about 3", that root could be 2 - 3' deep at about 3 years from germinating.....which of course can make successful transplanting harder.

Clean the husks from the seed, soak a couple of days, and give them minimum 90-120 moist chill. You can accomplish that by direct sowing, but rodents can be an issue. You can also soak and sow outdoors in deep pots exposed to weather now, use chicken wire or something to protect from squirrels, mice. Sown about 1 1/2" deep and given the long cold period of your Fall and Winter, you should find germination when temps begin to warm in Spring.