How to Find Antlers During Hunting Season (2025)

Hunting for antlers in peak rut(hunting season) is relatively hard. The ideal time is after the rut when male bucks drop their antlers naturally. However, it is not impossible to find them while you are scouting for the next trophy.

Finding antlers in the woods is a fun activity! Antlers are what deer shed every year after the breeding season.

To find deer antlers, find deer resting spots and feeding grounds. Look for nearby water sources and trails connecting these. Scout these with binoculars; if you see unusually shaped objects, they are probably antlers. Follow our tricks, and finding antlers won’t be difficult.

Male deer shed their antlers every year in late winter or early spring. Why do deer shed antlers, though? Because their testosterone levels drop after the breeding season. As a result, their antlers fall off. New antlers start growing again in spring.

Best Time to Look for Antlers

The best time to look for antlers is late winter to early spring. However, you can still find antlers during hunting season. Sometimes, bucks shed their antlers early due to stress or injuries. So, keep looking from October to January, especially in areas where you see deer tracks or signs.

Tips to Find Antlers During Hunting Season

1. Check Bedding Areas: Deer likes to rest in thick bushes and tall grass. Bucks feel safe in these spots. Walk around slowly and look closely at these areas. You might spot an antler there!

2. Look in Feeding Areas: Bucks often lose their antlers while eating. Check places with lots of food, like fields with crops or acorn trees. You can also look around deer feeders if there are any nearby. Hunters often feed protein rich feed for deer antler growth, so they keep coming to the same spot. The routes/trails to these should also be monitored.

3. Follow Deer Trails: Deer use the same paths when they move from one place to another. Look along these trails. Sometimes, antlers fall off when deer jump over fences or push through bushes.

4. Check Around Water Sources: Deer need to drink water every day. Look near ponds, creeks, or small streams. Bucks might drop an antler while getting a drink.

5. Use Binoculars: Bring binoculars to see from far away. Look carefully at fields and open spaces. Antlers can look like sticks, so take your time.

6. Look for Fresh Signs: Find fresh deer tracks or rubs (spots where bucks rub their antlers on trees). These signs show that deer are around. Look carefully in these places, and you might find an antler.

7. Use a Shed Dog: Some people train dogs to sniff out antlers. A shed dog can help you cover more ground and find antlers faster. If you have a dog, consider training it to help you hunt for sheds!

8. Find Sunny Spots: Deer love to rest in sunny areas during cold days. Look in spots that get a lot of sunlight. These are warm places where deer like to lie down and shed antlers.

Best Places to Find Antlers During Hunting Season

Thick Brush and Bushes: Deer hide in thick cover to avoid hunters. Check these spots because deer spend a lot of time here.

Fence Lines: Bucks can lose antlers when they jump over fences. Search around these areas to see if you find any.

Open Fields: Deer eat in open fields, especially if there’s corn or beans. Scan these areas carefully.

Tools to Help You Find Antlers

Antler Rakes: Use a rake to move leaves and brush around without damaging the ground.

Binoculars: Look from a distance to see more ground without scaring the deer away.

GPS or Phone: Mark spots where you find antlers so you can return later.

Why Is Shed Hunting Illegal?

There are many reasons to ban shed hunting in several areas. One of the main reasons is to prevent stress on wildlife, especially during harsh winter months. Banning it also protects sensitive habitats from damage and overcrowding. Regulations on public lands help maintain conservation efforts and safety.

What to Do When You Find an Antler

When you find an antler, look around that spot closely. There could be another one nearby! If you find both, it means the buck dropped them at the same place. This can help you understand where bucks like to hang out.

More Tools to Use

Trail Cameras: Place trail cameras where you think bucks hang out. The cameras can help you see where deer are moving and if they’ve shed their antlers.

Backpack or Bag: Carry a backpack to collect and store antlers. This way, you can keep your hands free while searching. There are fake antlers too that hunters use to mimic rattling sounds and attract nearby big bucks

Orange Vest: Wear a bright orange vest if you’re out during hunting season. This keeps you safe and visible to other hunters.

Conclusion

Finding antlers during hunting season can be tough, but it’s not impossible! Just remember to look in the right places, like bedding areas, trails, feeding zones, and areas near water. Keep your eyes open, and be patient. With these tips, you’ll have a better chance of finding some awesome antlers. Have fun!