The Role of Shed Antlers in Strategy

03/05/25 • 46 min

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss their recent experiences in deer hunting, including shed hunting, strategies for effective hunting, and habitat creation. They share insights on slowing down during hunts, exploring new properties, and the importance of trail cameras. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of using different types of batteries for trail cameras, as well as the excitement of trying new hunting techniques. In this conversation, Jason Thibodeau and Dan Johnson discuss various aspects of trail camera usage, deer behavior, and shed hunting strategies. They delve into the challenges of battery life in trail cameras, the impact of weather on deer movement, and the significance of food sources during different seasons. The discussion also covers the importance of shed antlers in tracking deer and the necessity of proper habitat management and food plot preparation for successful hunting.

Takeaways:

Sometimes you just need to slow down and take advice.
Harvesting a deer with a recurve bow is a new goal.
Big antlers are exciting, but filling tags is important too.
Creating ambush points can enhance hunting success.
Habitat management can improve wildlife presence.
Experimenting with tree cutting can create better deer habitats.
Trail camera battery choices can affect performance.
Shed hunting requires patience and attention to detail.
Scouting new properties can reveal hidden opportunities.
The more time you invest in hunting, the greater the rewards. Battery life in trail cameras can be misleading.
Cold weather affects battery performance significantly.
Deer behavior changes with food availability and weather conditions.
Shed hunting can provide insights into deer movement patterns.
Food plots may not always yield shed antlers.
Understanding deer core areas is crucial for hunting success.
Shed antlers can help in predicting deer locations during hunting season.
Soil testing is essential for effective food plot management.
Proper research can prevent costly mistakes in habitat work.
Engaging in outdoor activities with family can enhance the experience.

Takeaways:

Sometimes you just need to slow down and take advice.
Harvesting a deer with a recurve bow is a new goal.
Big antlers are exciting, but filling tags is important too.
Creating ambush points can enhance hunting success.
Habitat management can improve wildlife presence.
Experimenting with tree cutting can create better deer habitats.
Trail camera battery choices can affect performance.
Shed hunting requires patience and attention to detail.
Scouting new properties can reveal hidden opportunities.
The more time you invest in hunting, the greater the rewards. Battery life in trail cameras can be misleading.
Cold weather affects battery performance significantly.
Deer behavior changes with food availability and weather conditions.
Shed hunting can provide insights into deer movement patterns.
Food plots may not always yield shed antlers.
Understanding deer core areas is crucial for hunting success.
Shed antlers can help in predicting deer locations during hunting season.
Soil testing is essential for effective food plot management.
Proper research can prevent costly mistakes in habitat work.
Engaging in outdoor activities with family can enhance the experience.

Previous Episode

How To Hunt Large Tracts Of Public & Private Land

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss their recent shed hunting experiences and the challenges and strategies associated with hunting large properties. They explore the benefits and drawbacks of having multiple hunting options, the importance of scent management, and the need for careful planning and observation when hunting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding deer movement and adapting to changing conditions, while also encouraging listeners to engage in outdoor activities and prepare for the upcoming hunting season.

Takeaways:

Shed hunting can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Trail cameras can be deceiving in estimating deer size.
Having multiple properties can lead to confusion in hunting decisions.
It's essential to break down large properties into manageable sections.
Scent management is crucial when accessing large hunting areas.
Observation stands can help learn deer movement patterns.
Understanding neighbor hunting pressure is important.
Access routes can significantly impact hunting success.
Engaging in habitat improvement can enhance hunting opportunities.
Involving kids in outdoor activities fosters a love for nature.

Next Episode

March Updates

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer podcast, hosts Dan and Jason discuss their experiences and insights into deer hunting, including the challenges of sharing knowledge, learning from mistakes, and the importance of understanding different hunting environments. They also delve into strategies for food plots and current events in land management, emphasizing the need for careful planning and adaptation in hunting practices. In this conversation, Jason Thibodeau and Dan discuss various strategies for creating effective food plots and staging areas for deer hunting. They explore the importance of understanding deer behavior, the cost-effectiveness of different food plot options, and the impact of crop rotation on hunting success. The discussion emphasizes practical experiences and insights into habitat management, providing valuable tips for hunters looking to optimize their setups.

Takeaways:

People have a love for hunting and seek knowledge.
Mistakes in hunting can lead to valuable lessons.
Experience in hunting varies greatly among individuals.
Different environments require different hunting strategies.
Food plots can serve as staging areas for deer.
Understanding wind currents is crucial for hunting success.
Listening to podcasts can enhance hunting knowledge.
Planning food plots requires careful consideration of deer behavior.
Hunting experience is often underestimated in terms of hours.
Sharing insights can benefit hunters across various regions. Creating staging plots can enhance deer socialization.
Food plots don't need to be perfect to be effective.
Cost considerations are crucial when planning food plots.
Understanding crop rotation helps in hunting strategy.
Natural-looking food plots may attract deer better than manicured ones.
Timing of planting is essential for food plot success.
Deer behavior shifts with changing agricultural practices.
Utilizing neighboring properties can improve hunting access.
Weather conditions can impact deer movement and food plot effectiveness.
Shed hunting can be a rewarding activity during off-seasons.