Shed Search

Tip : Late winter deer scouting can be the most productive scouting of the year. First, vegetation is at a minimum, making any deer sign easily seen. Second, you can locate and really investigate potential hotspots without having to hold back for fear that you will spook a trophy buck out of the area just before season.

Major deer trails stand out like interstate highways and even well-hidden buck trails are easier to pick up. With most foliage gone, you can get a good look at buck core/sanctuary areas, which are usually found in the most forbidding, brush-choked areas available. While there, try to get a handle on the buck's entrance and exit areas. If the sanctuary is too tough to hunt, stake out the "bedroom door" next season.

With luck, you can find shed antlers. These tell you that that particular buck survived the season and will likely still be around next year.