Finding Sheds

Finding shed antlers from whitetail deer can be an exciting and rewarding activity. Here are some tips on where to look for whitetail sheds:

1. Winter Feeding Areas:
   • Focus on areas where deer gather to feed during the winter. Look for feeding areas with a mix of grasses, agricultural crops, and natural browse.
   • Check around food plots, agricultural fields, and supplemental feeding stations.
2. Transition Areas:
   • Explore transition zones between bedding areas and feeding areas. These areas are often traveled by deer regularly.
   • Pay attention to travel corridors, trails, and the edges of forests.
3. Bedding Areas:
   • Check areas where deer bed down during the day, especially thickets, tall grass, and brushy areas.
   • Bucks may shed their antlers while bedding, so these areas can be good places to find sheds.
4. Travel Corridors:
   • Look along well-defined deer trails and travel corridors that connect bedding areas to feeding areas.
   • Pay attention to fence crossings, creek crossings, and areas with natural funnels.
5. Water Sources:
   • Check around water sources such as ponds, creeks, and rivers. Deer may visit these areas regularly, and antlers can be shed in these locations.
6. Scouting and Trail Cameras:
   • Use scouting cameras to monitor deer movement and identify areas frequented by bucks.
   • Review trail camera photos to get an idea of when bucks are shedding their antlers.
7. Wintering Yards:
   • In areas with harsh winters, deer may congregate in wintering yards. These areas can be productive for finding sheds.
8. Hunting Areas:
   • Explore areas where you or others have hunted in the past. Deer may drop their antlers in these familiar territories.
9. Deer Rubs and Scrapes:
   • Bucks often create rubs and scrapes during the rut. Checking these areas can be fruitful for finding sheds, as bucks may lose their antlers during rutting activities.
10. Look for Matching Sets:
    • When you find one shed antler, thoroughly search the surrounding area for the matching antler. Bucks often shed both antlers within a short time frame.

Remember to respect local laws and regulations while shed hunting. Some areas may have specific rules or restrictions regarding when and where shed antler hunting is allowed. Additionally, avoid disturbing wildlife during sensitive periods, such as late winter when deer are recovering from the stress of winter.