Shed hunting can be very frustrating, you can put some major hours and miles in and come up with nothing, then turn around the next day, walk in a woods and be holding a shed within minutes You just have to have some major patience, learn to look for the tips of the antlers and not just the whole thing. Location is a factor to, where im at,we arestill seeing them carring full racks, March is the best time for my area for high percentage finds, there are some on the ground but finding them is a bit harder early. Sounds like your looking in the right places but maby the bucks are bedding/feeding elsewhere. Im finding out that open areas like set aside fields and crp are great places to find sheds, crop fields are great to. look in areas between bedding and food sources to where they travel to and from. check where they jump fences and ditches. I try and look at this way, even if im not having any luck, im getting good exercise, its better than sitting around the house You can get alot of good scouting in for the upcoming season and just flat enjoy being out there, im sure your Dog is enjoying the time with you as well Patience grasshopper and good luck