Before having our son, my wife and I often sought activities and new adventures to enjoy together. One memorable outing was a trip to search for her first shed antler. We started at one corner of a property, deciding to make a large circle around the outer boundary before zigzagging through the center. In our hearts, we were confident that by the time we returned to our parked vehicle, we’d have so many shed antlers that we’d need the truck bed to carry them all home. Unfortunately, after four to five hours of journeying up and down the steep Ozark hills, all we had to show for our efforts were plenty of laughs and a good workout—no shed antlers.
To make things worse for my wife, who had yet to find her first shed antler, a few weeks later, while turkey hunting with a close friend, I found both sides of a mature buck antler without looking for them for hours as we had done on our recent attempt. I simply stumbled upon them. That is the fun thing about being outdoors in late winter and early spring; you never know when one of Mother Nature’s hidden gems will be lying on the path of your next adventure.
The post-hunting season blues can set in for many hunters once the rut is over and the last deer tag has been filled. However, the winter months present a unique opportunity to keep your outdoor instincts sharp: shed hunting. This enjoyable (for some) activity allows you to connect with nature during the cold months and provides a chance to scout for the next hunting season while staying active when the gym is full of New Year’s resolution participants, which feels unappealing.
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Start Shed Hunting
In winter, deer begin to shed their antlers, a process triggered by declining testosterone levels after the rut. While the bulk of antler drop occurs in February through March, some bucks begin shedding as early as late December or January. Scouting for early sheds allows you to find antlers before rodents, such as squirrels or harsh weather degrade them.
When my wife and I spent our day looking for sheds several years back, we must admit that we didn’t know much about where to look for sheds; we just took off walking. Since that time and after many attempts later, I now know where the best chance is for one to find shed antlers. Look for areas where bucks are likely to spend their winter months, with one of the best locations being near or in food sources such as agricultural fields, food plots, or natural browse areas. There is one thing that deer like to do later in the winter, and that is eat. So, looking for sheds where they spend much of their time makes sense. After filling their bellies in the cold, they typically rest and sleep. Bedding areas, such as the thick cover or south-facing slopes where deer rest during the day, can also be excellent locations to drop their sheds. Lastly, travel corridors, like well-used trails that connect feeding and bedding areas or a path leading to a water source, are other locations where one may stumble across an antler or two. One of my favorite spots along a travel path is where a fence interferes with the path. When a buck jumps a fence, they land with a jolt. This movement often leads to shaking their antlers off within feet of where they landed.
The Benefits of Shed Hunting
- Outdoor Adventure:
Winter often keeps people indoors, but shed hunting gives you a reason to venture out into nature. The crisp air, quiet woods, and snow-dusted landscapes offer peace and a welcome escape from cabin fever, which can set in during the colder months. - Valuable Scouting Information:
Sheds provide clues about which bucks survived the hunting season, their movement patterns, and where they might be located the following fall. You can use this intel to plan stand locations or refine your hunting strategy. - Physical Fitness:
Shed hunting is a low-impact yet effective way to stay in shape. Walking through fields, climbing ridges, or traversing thick brush gives you a full-body workout. The effort required to navigate snowy terrain or carry out your finds will help you burn calories while building strength and endurance. This enjoyable exercise can even be good conditioning for the upcoming turkey season.
Tips for Shed Hunting Success
- Start with known hotspots: Begin searching places where you’ve seen bucks during the hunting season. Review your footage to identify deer activity areas if you used trail cameras.
- Use the snow to your advantage: Tracks in fresh snow can lead you to areas where bucks are feeding or bedding, increasing your chances of finding sheds.
- Bring the right gear: Waterproof boots, insulated clothing, gloves, and a sturdy backpack are essential. A set of binoculars can also help you scan open areas for glinting antlers.
Making It a Family Affair
Shed hunting can also be a fun and educational activity to share with family or friends. My wife and I enjoyed our time together when it was only us two. Yet, we love having our son tag along to search as well. Kids love the thrill of finding a shed, and it’s a great way to teach them about wildlife habits and conservation.
A Rewarding Winter Pastime
Whether you’re looking to add antlers to your collection, gain insight into your hunting grounds, or find a reason to get outside, shed hunting offers something for everyone. It’s a productive and healthy way to embrace the colder months while keeping your passion for the outdoors alive.
So, lace up your boots, grab your gear, and head into the woods this winter. The first antler of the season might be waiting just beyond the next ridge.
