Quick Answer
To find mule deer sheds in the off-season, focus on areas with recent hoof sign, and scour trails and game paths where deer tend to congregate. Look for specific vegetation patterns and tree rubs that indicate deer activity. Scouting in winter months, when snow is present, can also be effective.
Scouting in Recent Travel Corridors
Scout trails and game paths that you’ve identified as recent deer travel corridors. Look for areas with a high concentration of tracks, scat, and rubs. Pay particular attention to game trails that are adjacent to food sources or water, as these areas tend to attract deer year-round. Focus on a 100- to 300-yard stretch of trail and methodically search for sheds, working from the bottom of the slope up. This will help you avoid missing any sheds that may be buried in snow.
Winter Scouting Techniques
When scouting in winter, look for areas with recent deer activity, such as tracks and rubs, and search for sheds in the following locations: under pine or fir trees, where the soft needles can mask sheds; on north-facing slopes, where the snow is less likely to be disturbed; and near water sources, where deer tend to congregate. Use a pair of 7x50 binoculars to scan the area from a distance, and then walk the trail to search for sheds in more detail. When searching, look for the white color of mule deer antlers against the snow.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.