As Whitetail enthusiasts, we can all agree that plopping down behind a freshly taken buck is the cherry on top of a deer hunter’s Fall season. We live for those crisp mornings and the painted skies before shooting light is up. More often than not, we fail when it comes to bagging our target bucks, but we are crazy enough to keep coming back. Deer hunting can really push the emotional limits and put a toll on the mind that only a fellow hunter can understand. The beauty of the whitetail obsession is that, for most, it’s a year-round mindset. Half of the year is for the pursuit, and the other half is preparation for the pursuit. In Spring and Summer, we begin planning and implementing habitat practices, setting stands, putting in foodplots, etc. In the Fall, the chase is on. But then there’s this magical period between late January and mid-April when us crazies hit the woods for the treasures the bucks leave behind. Shed hunting for antlers.

After rut, whitetail bucks have a drop in testosterone that causes their racks to fall off naturally. This is a pain-free process that triggers regrowth. Shedding typically occurs mid to late February into mid-March. Several factors contribute to the timing of shedding, but a big one is stress. Bucks are just coming off a very intense Fall. They go from nonstop chasing does and fighting other bucks to enduring the harsh winter with little food. They are worn smooth out, to say the least. They are no longer lovestruck, but instead have switched to survival mode. That can take a toll on a buck that is already stressed out. Injuries can play a roll in stress as well, especially when you factor in the harsh temperatures and little food. 

When to Begin Looking

If you’re anything like us, waiting on that first shed-outing is much like trying to hold back a rat terrier to a squirrel. The impatience is real. Because we don’t want to add any additional stress to the herds, we try to time our trips accordingly. We keep our Tactacams deployed throughout shed season, and really pay attention during the earlier months. Once we start seeing about 25% of the bucks on camera, we start hitting the open fields. We keep this at a minimum, but it holds us over until we really start walking. Once more and more bucks appear to shed, we begin to strap up the hiking boots and hit the timber. Big weather events like extreme cold snaps and snowstorms can trigger big shed drops. Again, anything that would cause stress on the animal aids in shedding, so keep an eye on the weather. 

Where to Look

You have to put in the time to be successful. Think like a deer, just as you would when considering what location to hang a tree stand or trail camera. Go places the deer go and remember that their patterns will likely be different this time of year than it was during hunting season. They now have a “food” mindset. Find their current bedding areas and feeding areas, and you will be golden. Travel corridors between bed and food are easy pickins. Places where you know bucks will have to make hard landings, like jumping over fences or ditches, are excellent places to look. Walk the open areas where deer congregate. Find the south-facing slopes and hit those hard. Deer will bed on these slopes during the colder months because they see sun the majority of the day. 

Another good strategy is to get different perspectives. You may walk right by a shed because of the direction you’re going. The placement of the antler may stick out like a sore thumb if you happen to be walking in the opposite direction. With that being said, it’s good to pause while out in the woods, take a minute to scan a 360-degree circle around yourself, and make sure you haven’t passed one up. If you are fortunate enough to shed hunt places that are ATV/UTV or vehicle accessible, it helps to drive the same areas you walk. You just never know what you can miss—an easy find–from a different perspective. If you are out with multiple people, it’s never a bad idea to get one person in the bed of the UTV or truck to get an elevated advantage.

Not everyone has their own land to go look on. To that we say, “just ask.” You would be surprised at how many people just don’t care for sheds, or better yet, want them off of their property. Farmers especially. Sheds pose a threat to tractor tires and most farmers hate them. Go knock on doors, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised with how many yeses you get!

Benefits of Shed Hunting

There are so many benefits to shed hunting. First and foremost, it’s a great way to determine what bucks made it through the season and collect data on said deer throughout their lifetime. Being able to find a buck’s sheds up until you harvest him is a pretty amazing feat. Even if it’s not a complete set, just having something prior to getting him down furthers that buck’s story, and your mission is truly special. Additionally, it’s a wonderful way to get in some quality time with family and friends. Shed hunting isn’t like stand-sitting. You get to walk and talk, and have fun while getting fresh air while you are surrounded by nature. Even folks that don’t enjoy hunting can get into shed hunting. It’s like a giant Easter egg hunt—but make it wild. There is just something so gratifying about picking up an antler. They are like puzzle pieces to a large picture. Lastly, it gets you moving and outdoors. Everyone is happier and healthier with a little Vitamin D. 

What to do With Them

You’ve found them, now what? Most fellow shed-freaks simply hoard their finds like the end is near. Most of us love to build our collection, decorate our homes, and take them out when conversation strikes. If you love the chase, but don’t necessarily want to keep them, there are several options as well. Antler trading is pretty popular in this space. There are folks out there who will buy sheds in bulk to use or sell for various reasons. Turn your collection into cash! If you still like the sheds, but don’t care for piles of bone sitting around, put your creative skills to the task and make household items. Lamps, tables, chandeliers, wreaths, etc. There are plenty how to YouTube videos out there to help you upscale your rustic home. These items, as well, can sell for a pretty penny. Hone your skills and sell your creations. We’ve seen knives, jewelry, walking sticks, and more made from antlers. You think it, and it can probably be done!

The Bottom Line

Get outside. Shed hunting is a great way to get fresh air, quality exercise, spend time with the ones you love, and collect data on your deer herd. Plus, it’s just freakin’ fun.