I had to take a weekend off of walking through the woods due to some minor wrist surgery, but I've put in some long walks this season in "prime" shedding areas with nothing more than a few pictures of some nice rubs to show for it. It's hard to stay motivated when you're not finding antlers, but there's a lot more to shed hunting than finding an antler.

As soon as deer season comes to a close it's the "off-season" or "post-season" so many hunters relax and take care of a few chores around the house or pick up other hobbies. However, for those who enjoy consistent success in the field there is no such thing as post season - we only know pre-season. 

My pre-season scouting begins in January with some shed hunting, following deer tracks in the snow through bedding areas and looking for sign up until about the end of April. It's from this January to April period that I find what will be some of my most productive stands come October. 

So when you're out shed hunting keep an eye out for sheds, but also try to unravel rub lines, look for entry and exit routes into bedding areas, take note of the winds in bedding and feeding areas and be observant of your surroundings. It might not seem like such a big deal right now, but once October comes you will start connecting the dots and the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place.