Outside Iowa: Good time for bone time
One of my favorite times of year is at hand. There is something just captivating about big whitetails—bucks especially—that just drives us to the woods to pursue them in as many (legal) ways as possible. Shed hunting is no different. This activity actually allows us to “hunt” for a particular buck, or as many bucks as we like without the pressures of making a good shot or filling a tag. There is no quota, in fact scoop up as many as you like.
Its safe to assume statewide, 70-80 percent of the bucks have shed out at this point and its time to burn some boot rubber. There will be exceptions to that rule, as you’ll still see bucks carrying into April. As we have discussed in the past, there are places that should get more attention than others, but there are a few things to keep in mind that are not as obvious. Before we get into that, let’s review locations that typically hold a lot of sheds each year.
Bedding and feeding areas are obviously always worth a few looks. This is where the deer spend the majority of their time and will likely drop antlers. Spending some time on the trails connecting the two is also worth the effort. During the winter especially, deer typically bed on south-facing slopes, but that doesn’t completely negate north-facing slopes. Yes, some standard rules apply, but we all know deer don’t always follow those rules.
Yes, this can be just like the proverbial needle-in-a-haystack search effort, but there are a few additional thoughts to keep in mind as you head to the late-winter woods this year.
I always carry a pair of binoculars. I can’t tell you the amount of times I think I see an antler-esk shape off in the distance only to stray from my current trail to find it was simply a piece of corn husk blown in from the past fall’s harvest. But I can also attest to actually finding sheds from a distance, which was only possible because I had my binocs around my neck. Take them with you!
Another tip that is worth considering is considering the weather before head out. If you’re like me, any time in the woods is worth the effort and you’ll be going regardless.
I’m all about that mindset. But, I have learned that darker, even rainy days are best at spotting antlers in the woods.
If it’s bright and sunny I suggest wearing a pair of polarized sunglasses to help reduce the glare created by the ultra-violet rays. If you are constantly squinting and rays of sun are drastically changing the ground, you’d be surprised how many sheds you could be walking by.
Conversely, I have found it much easier to find antlers when everything is wet and matted down. Those bright white antlers really pop against that dark gray background. Make sure you are wearing boots with an aggressive tread because when it’s wet, it’s usually slippery, too.
Finally, make return trips. I’m not all that good at shed hunting, which I prove to myself time and time again by finding antlers that I previously walked passed. I have walked the same track—same path even—up to three and four times and found antlers I missed. So, it’s always good to double-check your efforts.
This is an awesome time of year, and the clock is ticking, as hungry tree-rats will beat you to the antlers if they can. For the next month, shoot to be in the woods a couple times a week and you’ll increase the size of that bone pile. Good luck!
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center. He is the Managing Editor with North American Fisherman, official publication for North American Fishing Club. For questions or archived articles please visit www.outsideiowa.com; tha481@gmail.com