The 2022 shed hunting season is just around the corner! Typically, in West-Central Illinois buck will begin shedding in Mid-January. Every once in a while, we’ll get a handful of bucks that shed earlier, even in Late-December. That’s usually the result of an injury from the rut, hunting wound or malnourishment when they shed really early. Sometimes early sheds will have pieces of the pedicle still attached which is not necessarily a good sign for the overall health of that individual buck. Around Valentine’s Day is when most shed hunters in our area begin to really put miles on the ground searching for sheds, however sometimes snow accumulation can delay their efforts.
2022 Shed Hunting Illinois/ Late December Update
I would estimate around 25-35% of bucks in the Pike/Calhoun Counties have started shedding. Driving around and glassing in the evenings, I’ve noticed whitetails are still hitting green fields, pastures, corn and bean fields routinely. We have about 6 inches of snow on the ground right now but over the next few days, temperatures are supposed to warm up in the 50’s. I would expect by this Valentine’s Day Weekend, a majority of the snow should be melted off! Speaking of snow, check out this blog about Shed Hunting in the Snow if you’re area has snow on the ground.
This is the best time to move trail cameras on high quality late season food sources to help monitor individual bucks’ movements to help gain an edge on finding their sheds later this winter. If you’re in a “high pressure” shed hunting area, cell cams can be a great tool to give you the first run-through of a property after a buck sheds his antlers. I like to place them in easy to access/ check areas to help keep the deer as undisturbed as possible. It’s just a waiting game now before they really start shedding!
Looking for a Place to Shed Hunt in Illinois?
Heartland Lodge offers shed hunting on their 1,500 acre OHV park located in Pike County, IL. To gain access to shed hunt, all you need to do is make an Overnight Reservation Here >>, or give us a call at 217-734-2526. Bring an ATV/UTV or rent one of our side by sides to cover more ground! UTV Rental Information Here >>. Check out the ATV Park Map Here >>. You get to keep any sheds you find!
For more tips and tactics on shed hunting check out our shed hunting blogs-
Hi Josh, check out our other shed hunting blogs by clicking on the links at the bottom of this article. We have several on tips to help you out! Thanks.
Hi James! Thanks for reaching out! To shed hunt, you would just need to book an overnight reservation in any lodge or cabin. Yes, you get to keep the sheds you find. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you!
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Thanks for the update !! Very helpful for me and my dog hunter.
I can’t find anything, any tips?
Hi Josh, check out our other shed hunting blogs by clicking on the links at the bottom of this article. We have several on tips to help you out! Thanks.
Hi James! Thanks for reaching out! To shed hunt, you would just need to book an overnight reservation in any lodge or cabin. Yes, you get to keep the sheds you find. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you!
can you give me a price for two for a week in february at your lodge ant utv rental for shed hunting thanks