Scouting for Antler Sheds

Once the deer season has ended and hunters face a few long months until the end of winter. This a great time to begin working on your plans for next deer season. Instead of sitting in your living room and dreaming of big bucks, do something a little more tangible - head out to the woods and try to find a few sheds.

With a few exceptions, bucks across the country will be dropping their antlers over the next few weeks, and the sooner you find them after they fall off, the better. Small critters of all types love to gnaw on the sheds for the mineral content. If you live in a harsh winter climate, your search will probably begin after the last snow melts, but don't wait too long after that or there will be nothing left.
Look for sheds along heavy trails, and especially at places where a buck might have to make a jump or be crammed into a tight place, fence crossings and pine thickets are good choices.

While you're looking for sheds, also take careful note of the deer trails, bedding areas and possible ambush points. You should be able to access places that were just too thick during the hunting season. Finding where the deer are bedding now can help you plan your hunting strategy for next year.