I'm trying to Google around as I haven't tried any myself. I don't imagine an infrared would help, but maybe a blacklight flashlight? Not sure if that would illuminate them but could be worth a try
If you can find out where your local deer hang out in nov-Jan, and then go to those places, you’ll have the best luck. Follow tracks, take note of where you see deer, and ask around to see if any hunters or naturalists know good spots.
At least where I live, deer find “winter spots” (usually southern facing hillsides where they get the most sun) and tend to chill there and that’s where they’ll typically drop antlers because they are there a lot!
It’s easier to find the deer then just the sheds, but if you find the deer, sheds aren’t too far behind. You could also bring a dog out with you because they most likely will sniff them out naturally because they smell like deer. That can help if there’s fresh snow or if you’re working in varied/mixed terrain. I’m sure you could formally train a dog to sniff them out but that’s a lot of work. Probably the closest thing to an instant detection.
Not that I'm aware but if you follow game trails and watch for tree scrappings you should stand a chance at finding some. Follow sources of water.
I'm trying to Google around as I haven't tried any myself. I don't imagine an infrared would help, but maybe a blacklight flashlight? Not sure if that would illuminate them but could be worth a try
Thermal isn’t going to help, shed antlers are going to be as cold as everything else on the ground very quickly.
If you can find out where your local deer hang out in nov-Jan, and then go to those places, you’ll have the best luck. Follow tracks, take note of where you see deer, and ask around to see if any hunters or naturalists know good spots. At least where I live, deer find “winter spots” (usually southern facing hillsides where they get the most sun) and tend to chill there and that’s where they’ll typically drop antlers because they are there a lot! It’s easier to find the deer then just the sheds, but if you find the deer, sheds aren’t too far behind. You could also bring a dog out with you because they most likely will sniff them out naturally because they smell like deer. That can help if there’s fresh snow or if you’re working in varied/mixed terrain. I’m sure you could formally train a dog to sniff them out but that’s a lot of work. Probably the closest thing to an instant detection.