Put some time into this thread, and I know it is the time of year that people will be looking for advise. Therefore I will give a recent tip and bump this thread up.
#13 - Look in thickets. Look for browsing on sapling buds. Thickets seem to be a hotspot this year between me and a few buddies.
So far, we have collectively found over 40, not counting dead bucks. They are/were browsing on any buds they can reach. Im guessing because of the snow/ice covering the ag fields for a month before it thawed a couple of weeks ago. Still a few packing, but it seems like many have dropped.
So hit the local thick spots and walk slow!
Happy shedding and Good luck!
P.S. Attached - picture of the crab claw 10 in 2009 (3 1/2) and picture of him dead in late Feb. 2011 (4 1/2)
Was a 6x5 las season, broke off 4 tines. With the tines I would guess him in the upper 160s. Cant get my fingers around the bases.