Shed Hunting Tips: How to Find Antlers and Scout Like a Pro This Spring

By Courtney Prete | Soul Summit Podcast | HOJ + SSP Outdoor Ed, Season 9 Episode 2

women in camoflauge in the pacific northwest, picking up an elk shed off the ground

Spring is a season of renewal—and for me, it’s the time when I trade in winter layers for boots on the ground and eyes on the earth. Shed hunting has become one of my favorite ways to reconnect with nature after a long, soggy winter. It started as a simple walk in the woods, a way to move my body and clear my mind. But after finding my first few sheds, something shifted. I was hooked.

Fast forward to today: I have a trained shed hunting dog, a system that works, and a passion for sharing what I’ve learned. Whether you’re brand new to shed hunting or just looking to improve your odds, here are my best shed hunting tips and why I believe it’s one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences you can have.

Why Do Animals Shed Their Antlers?

Shed hunting is the pursuit of naturally dropped antlers from cervid animals like deer, elk, and moose. These animals lose their antlers once a year due to hormonal changes that occur after the breeding season, typically between late winter and early spring.

The timing varies by species and region, so it’s important to learn what’s happening in your specific area. Mule deer in Colorado, for example, might shed in mid-February, while bull elk in Montana may hold onto their antlers until April.

Before You Go: Shed Hunting Ethics & Regulations

Before you go shed hunting, it is important to:

Check local laws. Some states have seasonal closures or rules around collecting “deadheads” (skull and antler remains).
Respect property boundaries. Always know where you are and whether it’s public or private land.
Use GPS tracking apps to log where you’ve already searched.

My Go-To Shed Hunting Tips for Success

Here’s what’s worked for me—and what I teach when I take others out:

1. Time it Right

Know when animals in your region are shedding.
Follow the snow line—animals often shed near food and bedding areas as they transition zones.

2. Scout with a Purpose

Read the sign: fresh tracks, droppings, rubs, and trails all lead to potential shed zones.
Focus on benches and south-facing slopes where animals bed down in spring sun.

3. Grid + Scan Thoroughly

Use a zig-zag or grid pattern to cover the ground.
Change your angle. Sometimes antlers hide in plain sight, but can be hard to see until you shift perspective.

4. Shed Hunt After Rain

Wet antlers shine and “pop” against the landscape.
Bonus tip: avoid walking into the sun to reduce glare.

5. Work Feeding + Bedding Corridors

Shed antlers often drop near travel paths between feeding zones and beds.
Edges of meadows are great for finds—slow down and look carefully.

6. Optics Are Your Friend

Bring binoculars and scan open areas before walking them.
If you’re on open land, use your eyes more than your feet.

7. Let the Dog Lead (If You Have One!)

If trained, a shed dog can be a huge asset.
If not, no worries—you can still find plenty by following sign and being thorough.

A women dressed in camo in the pacific northwest, picking up a blacktail antler shed from the ground

Shed Hunting Isn’t Just About the Sheds

Here’s the truth: even if I don’t find a single antler, shed hunting still fills my cup. It gives me time to scout for the upcoming season, learn new terrain, and stay active after a sedentary winter. It’s also one of the best ways to sharpen your woodsmanship, practice patience, and simply be in nature.

Honestly? I almost didn’t want to write this post. Part of me wanted to keep these tips secret. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew I had to share. Because this community—you—are what Soul Summit and Her Outdoor Journey are all about. So go—take these tips, get out there, and chase your next adventure with confidence!

To make it even easier, we’ve put together a downloadable PDF you can print and bring along as a reminder on your next trip.

Download the Printable Shed Hunting Field Checklist HERE!

Ready to Take It Further? Season 9 Is Here.

If you’re fired up and ready to learn more outdoor skills, you won’t want to miss Season 9 of the Soul Summit Podcast + HOJ Outdoor Ed!

Here’s What’s Coming:

Dates: April 9 – June 11, 2025
Available On: YouTube, Website, CarbonTV, and your inbox
Masterclasses Featuring:
- Morgan Wines: Glassing, Animal ID, and Knot-Tying
- Amanda Rose: Firearms, Safety, and Situational Awareness
- Sierra Jepsen: Knife Skills, Butchering, Wild Game Processing
- Taren Darr: Choosing Firearms, Teaching Kids, Gun Rights
- Kim Palmer-Nicks: Strength, Nutrition, and Recovery for the Backcountry

Join the HOJ Email List Here for Season 9 Access HERE!

BONUS:

Don’t miss the Mother-Daughter Coastal Retreat Giveaway!

This 4-day experience on the Oregon Coast is all about adventure, bonding, and building confidence in the outdoors. Click HERE for additional info and to apply!