First thing you want is a very nice comfy pair of waterproof boots! Next you better plan on doing some walking for hours on end. Check creek, fence, river, or any other crossings, bedding areas, staging areas, and feeding areas. That is where I find mine. My main spots to find them are bedding areas.
All about playing the percentages, check the areas that you think the deer are spending alot of time in, but dont forget to check the trails also. Be prepared to do alot of walking :D
I'm not very good at the sport as I just don't find very many. I just end up walking around aimlessly in the woods.. sometimes in circles But seriously, the best advice I could give is like everyone said.. walk.. and walk, and walk; and walk: and walk- etc, etc. Like I said I haven't found many in my adventures, but they also double as scouting trips, and what I learn about the property and how the deer use it is the biggest thing i take from my shed hunting trips. There is a plethora of knowledge out there that can be learned while doing a little walking this time of year.
WALK LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER WALKED BEFORE! Right when your ready to give up...Walk some more! I do it for a hobby not always for scouting reasons. I have found my largest sheds with in the city limits. Carry a pair of binoculars they will save you time when in doubt. Look for south facing slopes and watch as your driving down the road...I have found three in the road already. In other words look every where and DON'T give up. Any time in the woods is time well spent! I have a shed dog who has found 6. My yellow lab Ghille and I are the best team a guy could ask for. He never gives up or complains about the weather. A really good time to look is after the snow is gone and after a rain. The things really seem to stick out then. Don't look to far ahead either...Keep your eyes close. Hope I've helped.
I also grid search at times. Take a section of the woods and start at one edge and walk to the other and keep moving foward but go back and forth to cover the whole area. It is time consuming but it is how I find most of mine!
Grid searching is BORING, but it is a GREAT idea! I use it once in awhile, but should really use it more often...
Boring yes but effective! I just enjoy the woods reguardless of anything. Getting sheds is a great bonus. I even came home one time with 10 in one day! I wish I could have one of those days again!
Also one more piece of advice.. have fun! When my brother and I go we spend so much time goofing around and just enjoying ourselves that we often get lost in what we're doing:D Could also be why we never find any
Here are a few good resources for ya hogtiming... Finding Sheds Out in the Open - By Matt White of Heartland Bowhunter Shed Hunting Tips from Joe Shead, author of "Shed Hunting: The Guide to Finding White-Tailed Deer Antlers" Shed Hunting Tips from Heartland Bowhunter - Michael Hunsucker
