How to Find More Shed Antlers
Finding big shed antlers can be as simple as being in the right place at the right time, and these tips will help get you there.
Do you like to find shed antlers? Do you want to find more? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Right now is the time to get out and start finding the antlers that bucks have cast and we’ve put together some tips on how you can add more to your pack this year.
Shed Antler Tips
There’s not a better cure out there for cabin fever than getting out in the woods and looking for antlers. On top of that, it’s a great way to get some exercise in and get you moving for summer swimsuit season. While we’re going to advocate that you do some walking, we’re also going to help you put together a plan so that you’re walking in the right place, at the right time.
Scout Deer Areas
As in hunting, you can’t find what isn’t there. Finding deer is essential to finding shed antlers. You need to find where the deer are wintering and then you have a start as to where to look for their antlers. Get out and find deer feeding areas and tracks in the snow to point you in the right direction.
Find the Buck Areas
In the winter, bucks tend to drift away on their own away from does and fawns, except on a food source. If you can find out where the bucks are bedding and their travel routes to food sources, then you may be in for a good haul of shed antlers.
Low Pressure Areas
Heavily hunted areas will not yield as many shed antlers as low pressure areas since most of the deer in these areas have been shot. If you can find an area where there are more deer, you’ll be in for more success. Some places that don’t allow hunting can be your best shed hunting spots since these places will have big bucks and lots of them.
Food is Key
Deer need to eat and in winter they need to eat a lot. If you can find a field that has a hot food source, then the chances of you finding some shed antlers increase greatly. In wooded areas, find the spots where deer browse the food and you could find some shed antlers there as well.
Beds
Finding a set of shed antlers in a bucks’ bed is every shed hunter’s fantasy. Deer stay in their beds a lot in the winter to conserve energy and they will often drop their antlers right there. Pine trees are good places to find these since they block wind and help keep the deer warm.
Southern Facing Slopes
Sun in the winter is a huge heat source for deer. The like to bed on south facing slopes so that they get direct sunlight to warm themselves. Check south facing hills and the edges of a forest to the south.
Jumping Areas
Fences, downed logs and trails where deer typically run and jump are good spots to find antlers since these activities can jar the antlers loose on their heads.
Time it Right
Timing your search is important for several reasons. First off, other antler hunters are going to be looking too so the sooner you can get out and find them the better off you are. You also want to make sure that you get the antlers before the rodents eat them up. If you can get out in February on public ground, thats a good idea to get them before others can. If you have the land all to yourself, then March is a great time to find antlers before squirrels make them their dinner.
Take your Time
Walk slow to make sure that you don’t miss anything. Sheds can be tough to spot and if you take your time, you’ll be more likely to find these hard to spot prizes.
Eyes on the Ground
Many people don’t do the simplest thing they can, keep their eyes on the ground. Look about five yards in front of you and keep your eyes going back and forth to find the antlers sticking up.
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