With winter dragging its feet and whitetails on my mind it is just about that time to get up off the couch and start searching the woods for sheds. Although many factors can play into the timing of deer dropping their antlers, majority will drop them between mid January and early March. Because the antler drop can vary drastically, I like to begin my shed hunting adventures in mid February. To ensure that I am hitting the woods in the prime time of the shed season, I utilize trail cameras throughout the winter months. Placing trail cameras near food sources, well-traveled trails, or supplemental feed areas, I can track the progression of the bucks dropping their antlers. Upon reviewing my trail camera photos, if I notice majority of the herd has dropped their headgear I know it is time to hit the woods.  Another factor that will determine when I will start my search for sheds is the amount of snow blanketing the ground. Deep snow not only makes for tough walking, but it also makes it very difficult to locate sheds. For this reason I wait until the snow begins to melt and the forest floor becomes uncovered, exposing the hidden treasure of whitetail sheds.  With minimal snow cover currently in Minnesota and the excitement of shed hunting building, I am looking forward to getting an early jump on seeking out those dropped antlers on my property. So get out there today and get to those sheds before those pesky rodents do. Good Hunting.