By Mark Kenyon

After months of sub-freezing temperatures and several feet of snow, we’re finally enjoying a warm-up here in Michigan – and that means shed hunting is on the horizon. With that in mind I wanted to share a few super-quick pointers to help you find more sheds this spring.

Most of us know the basics of shed hunting and realize that the first places to look are the areas that deer spend the most time; those being bedding and feeding areas. Sometimes though, you need to know the place within the place to look. And so today I’m sharing a few of my favorite small spots to find big sheds. Keep an eye out for these little shed hot-spots, and when you see one, be sure to check it out. You just might find your best antler ever!

5 Small Spots To Find Big Sheds

Isolated conifers: Bucks love pines and cedars during the winter, and just like bass are attracted to structure in a lake, bucks are attracted to isolated conifers. If you find a few cedars or scrub pines in a grassy field, defintely check them out. Bucks very often will bed next to these and drop their antlers.

Water holes or ponds: No matter the time of year, deer need water, and isolated open water sources can be great hidey holes to find the occasional shed. Search right along the waters edge, and then also in any adjoining tall grass. Bucks will often bed in this grassy border and occasionally get up to drink, or wander off to the nearby food source.

Isolated grass: Speaking of grass, if you find isolated patches of tall grass or brush in the middle of a crop field, or a strip or finger of brush that extends into a field – be sure to check it out. Again, these are spots where bucks will bed intermittently while feeding throughout the night. They can be dynamite spots to find the occasional shed.

Creek crossings: Another type of shed hot-spot is where an obstacle causes a deer to jump, and then knock off his antlers. Creek crossing are perfect examples of this.

Fence crossings: Another jump inducing obstacle is a fence crossing. Find a popular crossing and check it out, there’s a decent chance a passing buck may have shook off an antler when hitting the ground.

If you’re looking for more shed hunting tips – check out these other great articles …

Everything You Need To Know About Shed Hunting

The Ultimate Shed Hunting Resource – Expert Tips and Tricks for Finding More Antlers

Shed Hunting Tips from Expert Shed Hunter and Author Joe Shead

Shed Hunting Tips from Whitetail Properties

When Should You Start Shed Hunting?