Just the Tips - Shed Hunting

Whether it’s a solo hike through rough and rugged terrain or a family stroll through the trees, shed hunting is a great way to exercise, scout, and add to the conversation pile. Here are a few pro tips that will help you focus your time and energy on finding more sheds.

1. Look in the most obvious places first. Feeding and bedding areas are the most likely places an animal will shed because that’s where they spend most of their time. It’s just mathematical odds. If you’re routinely seeing bucks on a pattern (trail cam, visual, tracks, etc.), follow that pattern on foot or horseback, and you will eventually find sheds.

2. Follow trails. Besides bedding and feeding areas, deer spend the rest of their time on the trails that connect these areas. You are especially likely to find antlers on a trail that narrows through thick brush, which can knock an antler loose. Look where trails cross under and over fences and streams. When deer land from a jump, the impact often causes their antlers to go flying.

3. Train your eye to look for the shape of whatever antler species you are hunting. White tips are easy to spot; it’s the dark brown beams that are more difficult. Assume every branch or root is an antler until it isn’t. Keep your head on a swivel, and don’t stare at your feet while walking. Wasted moments with your eyes can be the difference between an empty backpack and one full of antlers.

4. Avoid shed hunting from a moving vehicle. This is a great way to miss 75% of the antlers you pass. Move slowly on foot or horseback so your eyes have time to check every possible sight window and analyze the shapes and colors. Horseback gives you a better angle to see into tall grass and brush.