Hunting Sheds

By Steven Beltran

A shed white-tailed deer antler resting on a snowy landscape surrounded by deer and various animal tracks in the snow. — White-tailed deer shed their antlers each year, providing opportunities for another type of hunting. Photo by Lynn Hawkinson Smith.

After the deer hunting season has ended many passionate sportsmen and sportswomen continue the adventure outdoors in search of the ever-elusive antler shed. Fallen from the whitetail, who outsmarted the local hunter, are the antlers that have dropped off.

The Antler Cycle

White-tailed deer bucks shed their antlers annually as part of their natural biological cycle. This process is primarily driven by changes in hormone levels, specifically testosterone, which change throughout the year. The cycle begins with the growing season and ends with the antlers falling off.

Antlers are fully developed by the breeding season, a time of the year commonly referred to as the rut. Rising testosterone levels rise cause bucks to grow antlers. After the rut ends, usually in late winter, testosterone levels drop significantly, a signal for the body to stop maintaining the antlers. As the testosterone level continues to drop, the connection between the antlers and the skull weakens at a specific point known as the antler pedicle. Eventually, the antlers fall off, typically in late winter or early spring when the cycle begins anew.

The shedding of antlers is a natural process that allows bucks to grow a new set of antlers each year, which are typically larger and more impressive than the previous set as the deer ages and matures.

For more on the life history of white-tailed deer, visit White-tailed Deer Illinois.

In a grassy area two tan white-tailed deer are stuck together by the antlers while fighting during mating season. — On occasion the antlers of white-tailed deer bucks tangle during the rut. These two deer were separated successfully. Photo by Steven Beltran.

When Antlers Become Problematic

Antlers are not only used for mating displays but also for defense and territory protection during the rut. During the rut, bucks will fight by clashing their antlers against one another to show their dominance. Deer can be injured and even succumb to their injuries during these battles.

On occasion, antlers become locked together Without human intervention, many such deer die due to exhaustion and starvation. Separating live deer with locked antlers can be a tricky job, but with the right tools and skills a successful separation gives the animals a chance to live another day.

Hunting Shed Antlers

A successful shed hunter has to consider a few things: when, where and how to hunt.

To know when to start shed hunting in Illinois, you’ll want to consider the timing of the antler-shedding process, local conditions and some strategic factors. Here’s a guide to help you determine the best time to begin.

A close-up photo of a tan white-tailed deer's head after antlers have been shed. In the background is leaf litter on the forest floor. — Antlers grow from a deer’s pedicle, seen here as a white spot between the deer’s eye and ear. Photo by Steven Beltran.

Timing of Antler Shed: Most Illinois bucks begin shedding their antlers after the breeding season, which occurs in late fall to early winter. Shedding typically starts in January but can vary as late as mid-March. Many bucks will, however, drop their antlers earlier in the season, sometimes as early as December. Older bucks tend to shed earlier, while younger bucks may hold onto their antlers longer.
Best Time for Shed Hunting in Illinois: To maximize your chances of finding fresh sheds, the ideal time to start looking is between mid-January and late February, after the timeframe when antlers are needed to attract a mate or for defense. You can continue hunting for sheds into March and even April, but keep in mind the antlers will likely be older, and you might find fewer of them since some will have already been scavenged or found by other hunters. By waiting you risk that the antlers could have been gnawed on by rodents—antlers are a primary source of calcium—or discovered by other shed hunters.
Look in the Snow: Snow can make it easier to spot sheds, especially if the antlers are dark and stand out against a white background.
Maximize Your Success Knowing Where to Look: Start your search in areas where deer are known to frequent, such as feeding and bedding areas, travel corridors and crossings (like creek beds or trails), areas near fences, drainage ditches and other obstacles where antlers may be knocked off as the deer moves around.

By monitoring these factors and conditions, you can time your shed hunting trips in Illinois for the best success. Start early in the season (late January or February) and then continue into March, adjusting your searches based on your local weather and deer activity.

Know the Law

In Illinois, shed hunting is allowed, but there are specific laws and regulations you must follow, especially concerning public lands and private property. Here are the key points.

Permission is required from the landowner if you want to shed hunt on private land. It’s illegal to enter private property for shed hunting without the owner’s consent, just as it would be for hunting any wildlife. Trespassing on private land can result in fines or other legal consequences. Always ensure you have written or verbal permission from the landowner before entering their property.
Specific rules apply for some lands owned or managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). According to Illinois Compiled Statutes (Chapter 20 ILCS 835/6), shed antlers are classified as “inanimate natural objects” and you are not allowed to collect shed antlers from state parks. This includes state-managed properties, such as National Wildlife Refuges. The Natural Areas Preservation Act (525 ILCS 30/2) prohibits the removal of any natural object, including antlers, from designated nature preserves or buffer areas around them. These areas are protected to maintain their ecological integrity, so even antlers cannot be collected. On most other IDNR lands, such as Conservation Areas, Fish and Wildlife Areas, Recreation Areas and Boat Access Areas, you can collect shed antlers, provided the area is open to the public and there are no site-specific restrictions in place. This is a general rule for areas that are not designated for strict conservation or preservation.
It’s always a good idea to check with the local authorities or IDNR site office to ensure you’re abiding by the specific regulations for a given area. Some areas may have additional rules or restrictions about collecting natural objects, including antlers. Further restrictions may be placed by a local government in a forest preserve or other designated area.
While there may not be explicit laws about the ethics of shed hunting, it’s important to approach it with respect for wildlife and their habitats. Avoid disturbing animals, especially if they are still in the area or are using bedding grounds. If your shed hunt occurs in late March or April, be aware that some species are already bearing young.

A brown Labrador retriever puppy stands in a mowed grassy area. In the foreground is a shed white-tailed deer antler resting in the grass. In the background are tall grasses against a woodland. — A Laborador puppy training on a shed antler. Photo by Steven Beltran.

Using Dogs to Hunt Sheds

If you have the time, teach your dog to find the scent of an antler as it may make things easier for you during the hunt. In Illinois, using a dog for shed hunting is not prohibited by law, but there are some important considerations and regulations to keep in mind.

Whether shed hunting with or without a dog, you must obtain the landowner’s permission before entering. This is essential to avoid trespassing or violating property rights.
Dogs may not be used for shed hunting in state parks or nature preserves. These areas are protected to preserve wildlife and their habitats, and bringing a dog into these areas could disrupt the environment.
On IDNR properties where shed hunting is allowed, check the specific rules for each property as some areas may have restrictions on the use of animals for activities such as shed hunting. Also consider leash laws on state areas.
Always review local regulations before bringing a dog to public lands.
Where using a dog is legal, you should ensure that the dog’s presence does not disturb the wildlife. Deer may be sensitive to human and animal presence, especially during the winter months when they are conserving energy. Keep your dog under control, and make sure it doesn’t chase or harass deer.

Salvage Permits

While you’re out you may find deer that have died a natural death or have been killed by unknown methods. If you find a deer with antlers still attached to the skull and you want to take them, before you can legally move the deer you must contact your local Conservation Police Officer (CPO) and ask for a salvage permit.

A close-up of a pen made out of an antler resting on a wooden tabletop surface. — Many people hunting shed antlers use their finds in craft projects, such as this pen made out of an antler. Photo by Steven Beltran.

Using Your Sheds

After a successful shed hunt, consider what you’ll do with your bounty. There are many crafting options to consider. Some convert the sheds into lamp stands, pot handles or kitchen drawer handles. Other artists spin the antler into a pen or other writing instrument. Having the antlers displayed on a bookshelf or in a wreath are also beautiful ways to enjoy them.

Enjoy the shed hunting season and contact your local CPO if you need additional information.

Steven Beltran joined the Illinois Conservation Police in 2000, retiring as a Sergeant in northwest Illinois in 2024.