Scouting / Shed Hunting

Observing the feeder last night, I noticed one bigger deer kick out the rest of the deer from the feeder last night. I pull out the spotting scope to find out that it was a buck that had dropped both antlers already. He appeared to be 2.5 – 3.5 years old from his body. Now I just need some daylight so I can go look at the trail he came in on.

I spent a good 3-4 hours this last weekend looking for sheds on some public land that had some standing corn on it yet. I figured the corn would be mauled. I was surprised to find that much of the corn was left and not that many tracks in the corn . I thought for sure I would find high activity and a shed in that corn Needless to say I didn’t find any sheds, but still had a great time just being out in the woods with my Dog

I did find out 2 new good stand locations while I was there shed hunting / scouting. One place a ridge really bottle necks about 5-6 trails into 2 along the edge of the field. I think with a East, South or South West wind I have a new evening spot or perhaps even a morning rut spot figured out. I can set up just off the field edge and I’m able to hit the field edge and the 2 trails.

This is a great time of year to scout for new spots and look for sheds. It doesn’t matter if you spook the deer or not. Try to find their bedding areas and food sources now, look for sheds and take your dog out for some exercise. You will be rewarded come Fall. Bring along a GPS and mark some trails and stand locations. The woods look very different from now compared to September. Not to mention my memory may not be as good as it used to. The girlfriend or wife may like to tag along for some exercise and some quality time also . If you have kids, it is a good way to show them the trails, logic why the deer travel them and teach them different things about the woods. Now is a very good time for some woods and wildlife education and experience. I ended up seeing a red fox and Rufus kicked up one hen pheasant out of that corn.

Is it September yet?

Is it September yet?

LipRip,

You did it again! You got my blood pumpin now!

Another thing that I like to do at this time of year while I’m shed hunting and scouting is to cut some shooting lanes and I also like to try and change deer travel patterns (deer trails).

We all have spots where there is a funnel that is just a little bit too wide for us to cover with our bow. Sometimes the deer take “the other trail” and is out of bow range. Sounds familiar?

So what I like to do, is block that “other trail” and force the deer onto only one trail that goes by my deer my stand. I do this by moving around fallen timber (and sometimes cutting a dead tree down) and create a sort of blockade. This will force the deer to travel within a tighter pinch point near my stand within bow range. Obviously this doesn’t apply to every situation but this works and there’s no better time than right now to do it because you don’t have to worry about spooking deer and it will allow the deer to adjust over the summer. It doesn’t take much and the deer will adapt to the change and start using the trail you want them to.

LipRip,

You did it again! You got my blood pumpin now!

Another thing that I like to do at this time of year while I’m shed hunting and scouting is to cut some shooting lanes and I also like to try and change deer travel patterns (deer trails).

We all have spots where there is a funnel that is just a little bit too wide for us to cover with our bow. Sometimes the deer take “the other trail” and is out of bow range. Sounds familiar?

So what I like to do, is block that “other trail” and force the deer onto only one trail that goes by my deer my stand. I do this by moving around fallen timber (and sometimes cutting a dead tree down) and create a sort of blockade. This will force the deer to travel within a tighter pinch point near my stand within bow range. Obviously this doesn’t apply to every situation but this works and there’s no better time than right now to do it because you don’t have to worry about spooking deer and it will allow the deer to adjust over the summer. It doesn’t take much and the deer will adapt to the change and start using the trail you want them to.

Lip Ripper,

I live in Red Wing and have a bunch of deer living on the hill behind my house. Sunday afternoon I was suprised to see 6 antlerless deer being chased around by a decent 8 pointer – full headgear intact.

I don’t know what was going on, but is it possible that one of the young females that didn’t come into heat last fall is now in estrus? He was definately “chasing” these does.

Who knows – those “city” deer are a little odd.

I don’t know what is going to happen if the 6 does behind my house turn into 12. Red wing has a real population problem, in my opinion. The hill behind my house that I mentioned is not open to archery because it has houses on top and bottom, and there isn’t enough space in between. The deer look great – slick and fat.

I hunt the Hay Creek area state land during the shotgun season and always get my deer, but every year without fail, the best deer I see during the slug season is in town living the high life.

It’s still fun to see them. Somehow it makes a home just that much better knowing there’s whitetails nearby.

Scott

Lip Ripper,

I live in Red Wing and have a bunch of deer living on the hill behind my house. Sunday afternoon I was suprised to see 6 antlerless deer being chased around by a decent 8 pointer – full headgear intact.

I don’t know what was going on, but is it possible that one of the young females that didn’t come into heat last fall is now in estrus? He was definately “chasing” these does.

Who knows – those “city” deer are a little odd.

I don’t know what is going to happen if the 6 does behind my house turn into 12. Red wing has a real population problem, in my opinion. The hill behind my house that I mentioned is not open to archery because it has houses on top and bottom, and there isn’t enough space in between. The deer look great – slick and fat.

I hunt the Hay Creek area state land during the shotgun season and always get my deer, but every year without fail, the best deer I see during the slug season is in town living the high life.

It’s still fun to see them. Somehow it makes a home just that much better knowing there’s whitetails nearby.

Scott

Quote:

---

It’s still fun to see them. Somehow it makes a home just that much better knowing there’s whitetails nearby.

Scott

---

I hear you Scott.

Chasing is what I believe exactly what was going on. Either a mature doe was never bred/took, or a fawn came in early/late??? I might have saw the same thing Friday night. Not sure, but I think it was a anterless buck chasing the doe. I did not get a lot time to see it.

Brad, I hear you too . I have got the itch bad and it is only February . I’m in for a long one until September Funny how lazy deer can be. Rather than make one little jump over a fallen branch/tree. They will go 50 yards around to get to the same spot Ineed to get up to my Dads propety to do the same scouting and need to clear some shooting lanes for Rifle up there. Also find a new spot Where I saw a ton of scrapes during the last rifle season.

Quote:

---

It’s still fun to see them. Somehow it makes a home just that much better knowing there’s whitetails nearby.

Scott

---

I hear you Scott.

Chasing is what I believe exactly what was going on. Either a mature doe was never bred/took, or a fawn came in early/late??? I might have saw the same thing Friday night. Not sure, but I think it was a anterless buck chasing the doe. I did not get a lot time to see it.

Brad, I hear you too . I have got the itch bad and it is only February . I’m in for a long one until September Funny how lazy deer can be. Rather than make one little jump over a fallen branch/tree. They will go 50 yards around to get to the same spot Ineed to get up to my Dads propety to do the same scouting and need to clear some shooting lanes for Rifle up there. Also find a new spot Where I saw a ton of scrapes during the last rifle season.

That’s it. I’ve got a free morning Saturday. The pup and I are going exploring around the Hay Creek Management area. It’s pretty big and there are some spots I haven’t walked yet.

Thanks for the idea Lip!

Hopefully we’ll find a shed. The very first time I ever went shed hunting I was successful within the first 15 minutes of my walk with 2 5x sides that didn’t match.

I can’t tell you how many miles I’ve walked since looking for sheds and haven’t found a thing. With the snow nearly gone, maybe they’ll stick out a bit.

Question: Has anyone ever trained a dog to hunt for sheds? I wonder if it’s possible?

I’ll let you know how I do

Scott

That’s it. I’ve got a free morning Saturday. The pup and I are going exploring around the Hay Creek Management area. It’s pretty big and there are some spots I haven’t walked yet.

Thanks for the idea Lip!

Hopefully we’ll find a shed. The very first time I ever went shed hunting I was successful within the first 15 minutes of my walk with 2 5x sides that didn’t match.

I can’t tell you how many miles I’ve walked since looking for sheds and haven’t found a thing. With the snow nearly gone, maybe they’ll stick out a bit.

Question: Has anyone ever trained a dog to hunt for sheds? I wonder if it’s possible?

I’ll let you know how I do

Scott

Scott, are you referring to the hill behind Twin Bluff Middle School? I live on the backside of that hill, and one of the bucks that frequent the area made a huge rub on a tree about 2 yds from my patio. The does come right by my back door every day.

Mark

Scott, are you referring to the hill behind Twin Bluff Middle School? I live on the backside of that hill, and one of the bucks that frequent the area made a huge rub on a tree about 2 yds from my patio. The does come right by my back door every day.

Mark

Hey Rip, I have been lurking for a while but enjoy reading your post. I have been shed hunting with little results so far. Found one 3×0 I also take my dog. She is a gsp.Do you think this will make her chase deer? She is the one that acctually found the shed. There is a article in N.A. Whitetail About shed hunting with dogs, very interesting.

Hey Rip, I have been lurking for a while but enjoy reading your post. I have been shed hunting with little results so far. Found one 3×0 I also take my dog. She is a gsp.Do you think this will make her chase deer? She is the one that acctually found the shed. There is a article in N.A. Whitetail About shed hunting with dogs, very interesting.

MWChiefs,

I live on Brooks Ave. As you are heading down Pioneer from the high school it’s the hill you see on your left as you pass my street.

I’ve personally seen a very nice buck on the hill behind the middle school – it’s cool to see them up on top of a bluff like that looking at all us “little people” below.

Unfortunately, for some reason I don’t think you can take a buck within the city limits during the bow season. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. Seems that maybe they’d get a few more hunters in-city if they allowed them a buck. Maybe they could make them take a doe first, or something. I don’t know. All I do know is that there are a TON of deer within the city limits of Red Wing.

Scott

MWChiefs,

I live on Brooks Ave. As you are heading down Pioneer from the high school it’s the hill you see on your left as you pass my street.

I’ve personally seen a very nice buck on the hill behind the middle school – it’s cool to see them up on top of a bluff like that looking at all us “little people” below.

Unfortunately, for some reason I don’t think you can take a buck within the city limits during the bow season. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. Seems that maybe they’d get a few more hunters in-city if they allowed them a buck. Maybe they could make them take a doe first, or something. I don’t know. All I do know is that there are a TON of deer within the city limits of Red Wing.

Scott

Welcome aboard HuntNFish58

Welcome out of Lurker Mode . This is a fishing website, but there are some quite knowledgeable Hunters here also. Feel free to post questions, answers, ideas, and whatever tickles your horns.

I don’t think shed hunting will hurt your GSP as long as she listens when you tell her No or to stop, heel, etc. I have stalked quite a number of deer with my lab. He knows not to chase deer. It is funny I just have him at heel and put my hand on his back and walk. If I stop, he stops. Sometimes he gets squirly and won’t hold still, but overall holds pretty well.

Scott C. -No problem glad I can help . It just really helps me pass the time until next season. It helps me prepare for the next season and learn more about th eland I hunt everytime I can get out. Not to mention I don’t get much exercise behind a desk all Winter . So this helps me stay somewhat in shape . I have put in about 10 hours this year so far and I have only found one shed. The thing with that is, it was found on my last Hunting trip in ealry January in ND .

You can train Dogs to find sheds. I have read a few articles on this.

Welcome aboard HuntNFish58

Welcome out of Lurker Mode . This is a fishing website, but there are some quite knowledgeable Hunters here also. Feel free to post questions, answers, ideas, and whatever tickles your horns.

I don’t think shed hunting will hurt your GSP as long as she listens when you tell her No or to stop, heel, etc. I have stalked quite a number of deer with my lab. He knows not to chase deer. It is funny I just have him at heel and put my hand on his back and walk. If I stop, he stops. Sometimes he gets squirly and won’t hold still, but overall holds pretty well.

Scott C. -No problem glad I can help . It just really helps me pass the time until next season. It helps me prepare for the next season and learn more about th eland I hunt everytime I can get out. Not to mention I don’t get much exercise behind a desk all Winter . So this helps me stay somewhat in shape . I have put in about 10 hours this year so far and I have only found one shed. The thing with that is, it was found on my last Hunting trip in ealry January in ND .

You can train Dogs to find sheds. I have read a few articles on this.

While out shed hunting/scouting for next deer season, don’t forget to mark a fallen elm tree or two, maybe from last fall or spring. You know what happens this May? Mushrooms! Yes those tender juicy morels are right around the corner, nothing goes better on grilled venison tenderloin than a pan of morels and sauce. Man! I can’t believe my mind is out in the woods with you guys.

While out shed hunting/scouting for next deer season, don’t forget to mark a fallen elm tree or two, maybe from last fall or spring. You know what happens this May? Mushrooms! Yes those tender juicy morels are right around the corner, nothing goes better on grilled venison tenderloin than a pan of morels and sauce. Man! I can’t believe my mind is out in the woods with you guys.

Lip, went out lookin Sunday morning for a couple hours. Kicked up 6 deer, 2 times. Didn’t find any sheds… but found an AWESOME fresh scrape !!! Can you beleive it ? Squirrels were out in force. Got a good look at the lay of the land behind my place. Was worried my feet would get cold, as I had to wear my uninsulated waders, to get across the creek running behind my place, but it wasn’t too bad. Was good to finally get out. It’s wetter back there than I would have ever thought, glad I checked it out now !!! Good luck shed huntin’ all !!!

big g

Lip, went out lookin Sunday morning for a couple hours. Kicked up 6 deer, 2 times. Didn’t find any sheds… but found an AWESOME fresh scrape !!! Can you beleive it ? Squirrels were out in force. Got a good look at the lay of the land behind my place. Was worried my feet would get cold, as I had to wear my uninsulated waders, to get across the creek running behind my place, but it wasn’t too bad. Was good to finally get out. It’s wetter back there than I would have ever thought, glad I checked it out now !!! Good luck shed huntin’ all !!!

big g

As I was getting my icefishing gear packed at 1 am today, I happened to look outside and noticed a doe about 3 yards from my front door. Got closer to the door and noticed there were 2 other does, a very nice 8-pt, and a basket 6-pt right behind her. Scott C, that’s right at the very top of Perlitz Ave!

Mark

As I was getting my icefishing gear packed at 1 am today, I happened to look outside and noticed a doe about 3 yards from my front door. Got closer to the door and noticed there were 2 other does, a very nice 8-pt, and a basket 6-pt right behind her. Scott C, that’s right at the very top of Perlitz Ave!

Mark

Watched three raghorn 6-8 pointers walk thru the backyard just before daylight this morning. They sure stand out with the fresh snow.

Watched three raghorn 6-8 pointers walk thru the backyard just before daylight this morning. They sure stand out with the fresh snow.

I was out cookin’ some chicken on the grill, in the screen porch wednesday night, and one blew really hard, about 20 feet from my house, behind the little evergreens. i walked to that side of the porch to take a look, and about 4 busted away. about 20 seconds later, I made a little noise, and sure enuff, got another blow, even louder and 6 scattered. they sure have alot of guts, when the seasons over !!!

big g

I was out cookin’ some chicken on the grill, in the screen porch wednesday night, and one blew really hard, about 20 feet from my house, behind the little evergreens. i walked to that side of the porch to take a look, and about 4 busted away. about 20 seconds later, I made a little noise, and sure enuff, got another blow, even louder and 6 scattered. they sure have alot of guts, when the seasons over !!!

big g