Is it true what they say?
 

I have never been a shed hunter ever...But I was reading an article about it in Field and Stream tonight and it said the first shed is always the hardest to find. Are they all hard to find or is it just that first one? I have always wanted to get into it but never had a chance with work and school. So is it true what they say, are they really that hard to find...
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RE: Is it true what they say?
 

Depends on your buck numbers. If your numbers are low, your sheds are low and percentage goes down in finding them. The higher the buck pop, well you get it.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

If you have a shed, practice throwing it over your shoulder in to some tall grass or brush or something, and turn around and look for it. It sounds silly but it will help you train your eyes to be able to pick out an antler.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

my first one was EASY to find....actually found it in the DARK at a coon hunting competition lol


i seen it 100yds away and kept my light off it...i wanted it lol...i knew what it was immediately so kept my light off it so i wouldnt "give it away" the guy infront of me walked within 10yds of it and either didnt see it or didnt care to pick it up....i grabbed that sucker right up lol....laying in the open field...



havent found a shed in the woods yet.....my buck numbers arent really high...has ALOT to do with finding them like Rob said...not saying its impossible....just less of them out there and lower odds of finding them....

i dont spend much time looking for them....i am in the woods ALOT and always got my eye out for them, but gave up going out looking for them exclusively...

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

I have tried to find sheds a few times, but I think the vegetation is a little to thick in Florida unless you’re lucky. The critters are pretty much out in force when they drop so I’m sure that doesn’t help either.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

I literally tripped on the first shed I ever found. It does get somewhat easier just because you learn what to look for on the ground. I still stink compared to a lot of guys on here though. They're like hounds on a hot trail:D

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

This damn shed hunting Is always a frustrating one for me. It seems I never find sheds when looking for them. I always find them when doing something else In the woods like trapping, squirrel hunting, scouting.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

I do think it gets easier the more you do it. I also "tripped" over the first one. It was an old shed in an alalfa field. I have found as many as 25-30 in a year but have a buddy that is fanatical and he picked up 105 last year alone. His average year is around 70.


You will often find them in the same places year after year. Finding these "honey-holes" is the secret to growing your collection. Around here, South facing slopes with scattered brush and brome grass or switchgrass that collect the suns heat are the very best spots. Good luck.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

Sounds like a good way to find sheds to me!!!!!!!!!:):):):):D:D:D:D

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

I don't live in an area where many bucks live long enough to shed thier antlers, so they are REAL tough to find.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

I found my first one out in a tall grass field, about 20 yards from the woodline. I found it while turkey hunting. Very easy to find, especially considering I wasn't even looking for it:D

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

Many variables factor into successful shed hunts. To find sheds they have to be there! Sheer numbers of sheds on the ground for the land you have access too plays an important role. Habitat, snow levels and time spent wearing out boot leather. Keen eye, understanding exactly where big bucks are living and feeding during their shedding time. Beating the neighbor or other shed hounds too the sheds.. the list goes on and on.. In the thick country I shed hunt in for whitetails, you can easily walk by a shed year after year... When I shed hunt the open country of Hells canyon and the salmon River canyon, sometimes I can find more sheds by glassing for hours massive mountain sides.. The tough part there is the elevation and rugged steep terrain, but its a blast if you dont mind busting your ass to get to them!

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

too add, the more you do it the better you get at it though, picking the right areas to attack first, seeing the pieces of antler etc.. like with anything, don't get discouraged if you dont happen to hit the mother load right off the bat.. :D

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

Yeah, but what would this guy know about shed hunting?

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

i love to do it but i have bever had any luck[:@]

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

That's a really good tip, thanks bowmanaj!

But I need to find the first one, I guess I could practice tossing a number two pencil instead, ha-ha!:D
It was a good tip, I wasn't kidding about that.

My buddy says to stop looking at all the deer poop, tracks, scrapes and rubs and concentrate solely on antlers, makes sense.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

i cant find sheds, i think my eyes are jacked up to where they cant see white antler sticking up[:@]but, my 8 year old brother can find em like nobodys business lol

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

I agree with everything I've read. Alot of good info. I've came to the conclussion that finding alot of sheds comes down to two pretty simple things. Putting a ton of hours out looking and finding spots where bucks(many bucks) are staying.
I have a couple timbers that produce big deer every hunting season but as far as sheds go I never find many there. But another timber has alot of deer at this time of year, with south facing hillsides and great bedding and feeding areas close by. I save it until I know they are dropping and usually find paydirt.

my suggestion to anyone would be just get out as much as possible. Alot of other things can be taken from shedhunting ( scouting,watching deer and just getting the dog out for excercise). I love it and with the melting of snow we had in Iowa today (58 degrees) I'm ready to get going.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

My first was a breeze to find. All I had to do is pull it out of the 3-wheeler tire after it punctured it.[:@] After that, it's been real difficult for me.

RE: Is it true what they say?
 

they are hard to find but its rewarding when you do find one