Walked a total of about 15 miles between Friday and Sunday in Howard. Found 0 Antlers. Found countless beds, tracks, poop and 2 skeletons. walked edged of fields, by the river, in woods, ravines and ridges....
It’s still early. Areas with higher deer density, especially high buck density will have higher success rates. Areas in the SE or near bigger cities where there are safe havens or low hunter access. You’ll just have to find out who owns the property to get permission which can be very difficult at times. Incidentally this hobby has become so popular that nearly all farms being hunted have hunters now looking for sheds which never used to be back in the 70’s through the mid to late 90’s. Social media and QDM both have helped spike the popularity since that time.
It’s easy to get discouraged but look at all the exercise you’re getting while enjoying the outdoors. IMO, 80-90% of bucks are still carrying but that will start dropping very fast and very soon in another couple weeks. Overcast days are best and try to keep the sun at your back or walk North or South looking away from the sun. Hit the fields and fence and creek crossings early then venture into the brush and bedding areas later. You don’t want to push them out. I hate finding sheds with gnawing damage so I get out early to pick up any sheds that drop early. In hilly terrain concentrate on south facing slopes.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Take pictures before you pick them up. It helps draw out your excitement and they make cool images you can share or relive every time you look at them.
