The lakes, rivers, and woods of our region hold more than just breathtaking views—they’re home to a passionate community of hunters and anglers who live for the thrill of the chase and the quiet moments outdoors. Today, we’re resuming our article series called Hunters and Anglers, shining a spotlight on local outdoorsmen and women who dedicate their time, energy, and heart to hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors.
Each edition will feature a guest contributor who shares stories, insights, and tips from their own adventures—giving readers an inside look into the lives of the folks who know our wild spaces best. Whether it’s landing a trophy bass, tracking a whitetail through fresh snow, or just enjoying the quiet rhythm of nature, this series is for anyone who finds peace and purpose in the wild.
We’re thrilled to kick off the series with a contribution from Mike Moore, an experienced outdoorsman, video creator, and storyteller who, along with his partner Jake, runs Tines and Trails Outdoors—a YouTube and Instagram project that showcases their passion for hunting and the outdoors. Their videos capture the spirit of adventure, the beauty of the wild, and the real moments that come with every pursuit.
In this first piece, Mike shares why shed hunting deserves a spot on every outdoor enthusiast’s spring calendar.
Tines and Trails Outdoors: Shed Hunting
Why Shed Hunting Should Be on Every Outdoor Enthusiast’s Spring Calendar
When deer season wraps up and the snow begins to melt, many hunters take a step back, clean up their gear, and wait for fall to return. But there’s another outdoor opportunity waiting—one that’s growing in popularity for hunters, hikers, and nature lovers alike: shed hunting.
Shed hunting is the search for antlers that male deer (bucks) naturally drop between late winter and early spring. While it may seem like a simple scavenger hunt, the truth is, shed hunting offers more than just cool souvenirs—it’s a window into the world of deer behavior, a family-friendly outdoor activity, and a surprisingly helpful tool for improving hunting strategies and wildlife understanding.
A Natural Treasure Hunt
In videos like “Finding GIANT Michigan Shed Antlers” and “A Day Shed Hunting Public Land with Shed Crazy”, we see firsthand the excitement and satisfaction of discovering antlers in the wild. Whether it’s combing through Michigan’s thick woodlots or covering wide-open Western terrain, one thing becomes clear: finding a shed is rewarding.
And while it can take hours of walking, scanning, and sometimes coming up empty-handed, shed hunting is a great excuse to get outside, enjoy the landscape, and maybe even uncover secrets about your local deer population.
What Makes Shed Hunting So Valuable?
Mike Moore, an experienced outdoors writer, outlines several compelling reasons why shed hunting belongs in every hunter’s toolkit—and why even non-hunters can benefit from giving it a try:
1. Understand Deer Behavior
Shed antlers are more than lucky finds—they’re clues. When a buck sheds its antlers, it usually happens in areas where it’s spending time after the rut: feeding zones, bedding areas, and travel routes. By finding sheds, you’re essentially mapping out where deer are during late winter, which gives you an edge for planning next fall’s hunting strategies.
2. Scout and Discover New Locations
Shed season is also scouting season. As you’re out walking fields and woods, you’ll come across trails, rubs, scrapes, and maybe even bedding areas you hadn’t noticed before. In the Michigan video, one hunter found a huge shed deep in thick cover—exactly the kind of sign that might mark a prime stand location next season.
3. Track Herd Health and Buck Survival
Every shed has a story. Finding multiple antlers of similar size can help estimate herd age structure and health. Large antlers from mature bucks are encouraging signs for property managers and conservationists. The Western video shows this well: the hunter evaluates each shed and speculates on which bucks made it through the season.
4. Build a History with Specific Bucks
By collecting sheds year after year, you can track specific bucks and observe how their antlers change over time. This long-term tracking is especially useful for deer management and selective harvesting.
5. Use Trail Cameras Smarter
The shed season is the perfect time to retrieve SD cards from your trail cameras and cross-reference deer activity with where you find sheds. Were those bucks still around after the hunting season? Did they survive? Combining camera data with physical shed locations gives you the full picture.
Shed Hunting Is for Everyone
One of the most appealing parts of shed hunting is how accessible it is. You don’t need a license, fancy gear, or a lot of experience. Just lace up your boots, grab a backpack, and head out.
For families, it’s a great way to get kids outside and introduce them to wildlife tracking. There’s something magical about finding that first antler, and the search itself becomes a game—kids love the mystery and adults appreciate the peaceful escape.
As Mike Moore puts it, “Shed hunting is more than just a leisurely activity—it’s a valuable tool for deer hunters looking to enhance their knowledge, improve strategies, and stay connected to the land.”
Tips to Improve Your Shed Hunting Success
- Be patient and persistent. It can take miles of walking before you spot one.
- Focus on south-facing slopes, bedding areas, and food sources.
- Scan slowly and from different angles. The curve of a tine or the shine of an antler can be subtle.
- Bring water, snacks, and dress in layers. You’ll be covering ground in variable weather.
- Use a grid search if you’re on public land. Marking sections with hunting apps like OnX, HuntStand, BaseMap, or DeerCast can keep you organized.
- Train your dog if you’re serious. Some dogs are excellent shed finders with a little training.
A Deeper Connection to Conservation
At its heart, shed hunting encourages a deeper connection to the outdoors. It fosters respect for wildlife, helps you understand the land, and can reinforce ethical hunting and conservation practices. It’s non-invasive, low-impact, and deeply satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned deer hunter or someone who simply enjoys a walk in the woods, shed hunting offers something for everyone. It’s a blend of adventure, education, and relaxation that brings families together and helps you connect with the environment in a new way.
So next time the hunting season winds down and the snow starts to melt, don’t hang up your boots just yet. Head into the woods and see what nature left behind—you might just find more than an antler. You might find your new favorite spring tradition.
Check out previous Hunters and Anglers Articles: https://catchmarkcommunity.com/hunting-and-fishing-the-seasons/
Check out Tines and Trails YouTube videos!
