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Shed hunting is the act of looking for deer antlers that have been naturally shed. These antlers are then used for tools, jewelry, dog treats, and decorations. There is more to shed hunting than just walking around and waiting to get lucky. Part of the skill is knowing where to look.

 

Where to Look for Sheds

 

Try places you know deer live. Keep your eyes open for worn trails, especially ones littered with deer tracks. Try looking where they eat; cornfields and hayfields have produced many sheds. Deer tend to sleep in grassy-covered areas. In the winter, however, they move to a more covered place to bed down. Their winter hideaway tends to be in the middle of hills and clumps of trees.

 

Also, try places where deer tend to travel. Check the slopes of rivers and ditches, as the angle and jarring foothold may be enough to jiggle an antler or two loose. Check along fence lines. When bucks jump over fences, antlers are jarred by the landing and may fall off.

 

Do not underestimate an open field. While deer tend to shy away from open fields instinctually, it is an easy area to scan all at once. Make sure to check the brush and thickets at the edge of the field as well.

 

Tricks For Shed Hunting

 

If you are going to shed hunt, make a day of it. Instead of traveling on foot, travel by ATV; you can cover a lot of ground faster that way.

 

Feel like hunting with man’s best friend? Train your dog to be a shed hunter. Allow them to chew on old sheds at home. Hide them around the house for your dog to sniff out. Once you are confident that your dog has the scent, bring them into the woods for the day to hunt for sheds. You will be surprised how far you can make it on your pooch’s nose alone!

 

Know Your Laws

 

Before you start looking for sheds, know state and local laws. Pay attention to any zoning while you hunt.

 

Shed hunting is a challenging scavenger hunt, but the tips and tricks provided can help you get started. They can even get your dog involved, too!