Find More Coues Sheds

by Steven Lines

Shed hunting is a great way to scout an area, and stay in shape for the upcoming hunting season. Finding antlers is always fun no matter what time of year it is, but finding Coues whitetail sheds can be a bit more challenging than their larger cousins. Coues deer shed in late April to May(or even June), so now is a great time to get outside and enjoy the woods. By following a few simple tips, you can fill your pack with more brown gold and make the most out of your early summer scouting trips

Find the right areas: Most Coues sheds that I find seem to always be in the thickest, nastiest country imaginable. Look for bedding areas and trails leading in and out from them with a lot of deer activity. When I am out looking for sheds, the thicker the vegetation, the better. With that being said, don’t forget to look at feeding areas as well.
Bring optics: I carry my 10 and my 15 power binoculars, just like I do when I am hunting. I will start out glassing open, grassy feeding areas for any obvious antlers. When I am sure that I have looked it over well enough, I move to the bedding areas. I usually work through the areas where I see the most sign, and this is where the 10 power binos come into play. Instead of covering every square inch of an area, I like to walk side to side and check anything that looks suspicious with the binos. We always hear that we should let our eyes do the walking whenever possible, and this is no exception.
Walk slowly: This probably goes without being said, but walking slowly will help you find more sheds than anything. Sticks and branches have a knack for looking just like antlers, and going slow will help you see differences between the two. It will also help you from stepping on any snakes!
Hunt the same area twice: I don’t think anybody can find 100% of the sheds in a spot, so just because you didn’t find any the first time doesn’t mean that there aren’t any there. Try coming into the area from a different angle or glassing from a different vantage point.
W ear eye protection: This one may seem a little strange, but besides offering protection from the sun, a pair of sunglasses will also keep you from catching a low hanging branch to the eyes. Since your eyes are glued to the ground looking for sheds, remember to occasionally look up and be aware of your surroundings.

Hunting for Coues sheds can be a little more challenging than finding elk or mule deer sheds, but I believe there is no better way to spend a day than scouting for Coues by looking for sheds. By getting out there and looking, anyone can come home with more Coues antlers, and plenty of knowledge for hunting season.