WORKING ON THE SHEDS

As we approach President’s Day and the snow cover melts more here in southeastern part of Nebraska, thoughts of mine have drifted toward getting some fresh air, a little exercise and working on the sheds – hunting for shed deer antlers in our whitetail woods that is!

There are a bunch of reasons to hunt for shed deer antlers. Among them, the sheds offer a snap shot of the bucks that have more than likely survived the hunting seasons in that area.

Some of the best places to where I like to look for shed antlers:

*Main deer trails in woods leading from feeding to bedding areas, especially where there are lower-hanging branches.

*Deer bedding areas. They should not be overlooked. I prefer deer bedding areas along south-facing slopes with conifer trees.

*Fence crossings for deer are also great spots to look for antlers as are creek crossings.

Remember to firm up permission with your landowner friends before hunting sheds, go with a partner, walk slowly so as not to miss them and take a plastic bucket along to carry the antlers (for safety in case you fall to prevent being impaled).

Happy hunting and be sure to take the kids you know, too! The great news for my 14-year old son Noah (a deer hunter) is that he can sleep late because this is a daytime activity in the woods. He’ll be thrilled, when he gets up, until he sees this photo, HA!