Shed Hunting 101

Shed hunting is a fun activity to combat winter cabin fever and a welcome reminder that spring is just around the corner. However, with limited success, it can also be disheartening. Set yourself up for success by following these tips while you’re shed hunting this year.

Location

Keep in mind winter food sources when you plot out where you will do your shed hunting. Throughout the winter, deer will stick close to high carbohydrate food sources, and thus shed their antlers in these areas. In the Midwest, for example, this usually means close to corn and soybean fields. Also be cognizant of snow levels. A winter with a lot of snow will limit the range of the deer. Follow game trails and look for bedding areas as potential shed sites. South-facing slopes and areas with thermal cover are more likely to be utilized as bedding areas. As you pick your way through this terrain, stay warm, dry and protected with DSG Hunting Gear.

I Spy

Be patient, and don’t move too quickly through the area you’re searching. Antlers can be covered in debris and snow or be located under bushes and next to trees or downed logs. It’s less likely that a shed will be awaiting you in plain sight. Sunny days create more contrast, and will make antlers less likely to stand out. Overcast or rainy days will make the ground and leaves appear darker under a shed. Once you’ve found one side of the set, it’s likely that the other side was dropped in close proximity. Big bucks especially will feel lopsided after losing one side, and put some effort into knocking the other side off. Finally, bring some binoculars to hone in on objects playing tricks on your eyes off in the distance.

Timing

Go early and often. Most antlers drop during the month of February. Stressful, harsh winter conditions can cause sheds to drop even earlier. Hunting for sheds on private land means less human competition, while sheds on public lands will be retrieved quicker. Squirrels and mice will also be your shed hunting competition. Younger bucks will hold onto their antlers for an extended period of time. Antlers are harder to spot on snowy ground, so if you can, wait until some of that snow melts off and exposes bare ground. Prioritize food source areas first, and then bedding areas. You don’t want to be pushing bucks out of their bedding areas if they still have their antlers.

Like all forms of hunting, shed hunting can result in instances of success and disappointment. You won’t always get what you’re after. In the meantime, enjoy the time spent outdoors and cherish the prizes that come from your successes. The time you invest will pay off: the more time you spend with your boots on the ground, the more likely you are to find some sheds. This time outside is a great way to simultaneously do some scouting—rewards you will reap during hunting season. Get your family and friends together, get outside and happy hunting.