(Photos courtesy of the author)
March 14, 2025
By Alex Gyllstrom
For passionate whitetail hunters north of the Mason Dixon and as far west as the Rocky Mountains, shed hunting is more than just a late-winter hobby — it’s a gateway to a deeper understanding of the properties you hunt and the deer on those properties . Not to mention, it's a great chance to break cabin fever after being cooped up over the winter months and stretch the legs.
There are plenty of positive aspects to shed hunting, but it is not without frustrations. Busy schedules, jobs and life’s obligations prevent most of us from dedicating the time we’d like in the early spring searching for these coveted chunks of bone. Making the most of the time we have out there is essential. It’s impossible to know where bucks will drop their headgear, but some key common land features and locations can help you narrow your efforts and increase your odds for success.
Bedding on South-Facing Slopes It’s no secret deer are hearty critters. In the midwestern and northern regions of the United States, they can survive sub-zero temperatures for weeks on end during the late winter. A key part of their survival during these brutal winter conditions is strategically bedding to expose themselves to as much sunlight as possible. Look for areas on south-facing slopes in hilly terrain or even subtle rises in relatively flat areas exposed to the most sunlight during the day. Deer gravitate to these locations in cold weather to stay warm and conserve energy.
Since this is the time of year when deer are dropping antlers, it’s common to find a concentration of sheds along south-facing ridges and slopes if temps and weather conditions have been severe. What makes south-facing terrain even more attractive is if they have thickets or clusters of brush that deer could potentially use as a backdrop for cover and windbreaks. They like to use the edges of this habitat frequently for good security cover by bedding with the cover to their back while still being exposed to the sun for bedding during the day and using their eyesight and nose for defense to the landscape in front of them. They also like to use this structure for transitional cover, navigating along the edges to get from bed to feeding locations.
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Thermal Security Cover Deer love thick pockets where heat is trapped, and the ground is warmer than the unprotected surrounding area. Clusters and thickets of cedars, pines and high-stem count vegetation, like old fields and CRP, help capture heat and provide security cover for concealment. Keep an eye out for concentrations of deer sign. Expect to see multiple trails funneling to these thick, secluded areas. Be sure to check cover near food sources. Depending on pressure and weather, they won’t want to travel further than necessary from bed to food.
When checking these thick areas, I like to walk the travel routes leading to and from the beds, carefully scanning both sides of the trails. Take note of rubs, browse pressure and how the location lies with the rest of the property. This intel can provide insight into how and when bucks might use the bedding throughout the season. The sign and travel patterns can be a roadmap you take advantage of for next season’s setups. It’s common for quality security cover to be utilized consistently year after year.
Low Transitions and Waterways in Food Sources Food is arguably the most crucial element this time of year. Bucks are physically drained and can be malnourished from the rut, so they need to recover. Depending on the region of the country you’re hunting, harsh weather conditions will force them to find reliable food sources and feed often to survive and rebuild their strength. In and around primary food sources can be the most fruitful locations to find sheds. This time of year, the most desirable food sources are high in sugars and carbohydrates. Corn, soybeans, brassicas, cereal grains, oaks, honey locust pods and other woody browse are great places to check. Similar to the bedding areas, make note of buck sign, heavily used trails, droppings and browse pressure to get a feel for how often deer are frequenting the different areas and what ones they likely prefer at various phases of the season.
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Walking every row or gridding an entire ag field can take a ton of time. Although it’s important to comb an area thoroughly, areas within these destination food sources can concentrate deer activity, making the challenge of finding these needles in haystacks just a little easier. Deer, especially mature bucks, love to enter food sources through a low spot or depression in the field. It provides them with a sense of security from being exposed. Also, wind currents and thermals will often pool in these locations, giving them the advantage from a scent standpoint. Look for slopes leading to timber or security cover and waterways that have grown up jutting into the field. These areas can be added cover for deer and they’ll often use them as intermittent bedding throughout a night of feeding to relax and chew their cud. If the field has a brushy or tree-lined fence row, look for a gap farmers use to move large equipment through. These are excellent funnels for deer movement and ideal places to look for sheds.
Creek Crossings Bedding areas and food sources are great primary destinations to check for sheds but don’t overlook key locations along transition routes between these destinations. The overall strategy is still bed to feed patterns for the most part. The goal is to identify funnels and areas that focus or attract movement. Pay attention to any creek or ditch that may be on your property. Walk along the banks as deer will often follow these banks while transitioning the property. Scan the crossings closely. As bucks cross a creek, the motion of dropping down and going up the other side is often done with a short trot, which can jostle an antler loose and cause it to drop. Bucks like to travel adjacent to these features until they reach the lowest or easiest crossing point. By capitalizing on their natural desire to take the path of least resistance, you can focus on these commonly traveled areas for a better chance of finding antlers.
Fence Gaps and Jumps Fence gaps and jumps can be dynamite spots for finding sheds. Not only do they act as funnels by offering deer a path of least resistance, but they also can help bucks cast antlers. When a buck crosses a low or preferred spot in a fence line, the motion of jumping can cause a loose antler to fall when it hits the ground on the other side. These hot spots are a must to search around. Remember to look beyond the specific crossing point. Look for strands of hair in the fence or heavy trails for the exact crossing points. Walk along the trails in both directions to see if bucks traveled a short distance before dropping his antlers.
It can be easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to shed hunting. I try to break the property into small sections and think about how and why deer use each section. Then, I identify the hot spots within each section to start looking. This strategy has helped me be more efficient with the time I spend shed hunting, but also find more sheds overall and learn aspects of a property that can help close the distance on a buck next fall.
Even though it’s great to have a strategic plan, it’s still important to wear out the boot leather and put on the miles. Note where you’re finding sheds and apply that information to future shed seasons. Apply the sign you observe and what you learn to the following hunting season’s strategy. It’s amazing how consistent the areas where bucks shed are from year to year. Grab some water, stretch out, lace up your boots and enjoy one of the best times to be in the woods.
