NORTHEAST, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- The Wisconsin deer hunt won’t start again until next fall. Until then, outdoor enthusiasts can still chase big bucks, or at least their sheds. After a long winter, bucks are dropping their antlers, leaving behind treasure to those that hit the woods.

Matt Eggert has been shed hunting since he was 16 years old.

“My favorite thing for shed hunting is my love for deer,” said Eggert.

If you’re going to commit to shed hunting, be prepared to put on some miles.

“I’ve probably put a combined, on a good year, two hundred twenty-five to two hundred fifty miles,” said Eggert.

When he was seventeen, Matt was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Shed hunting keeps him moving and enjoying nature.

“It gets me out. It gets me walking. It keeps me healthy. I like to stay pretty fit,” said Eggert.

While out looking for sheds recently, Matt came across a giant buck rub. Even if he didn’t pick up a shed that day, the benefits of scouting the land for next year are apparent.

“One of the greatest parts about shed hunting is to be able to see the sign out there from last fall and wonder where those deer really were. We can make a stand adjustment now on this rub line and this new trail they’re using coming across.”

Marc Drewek has been shed hunting for 40 years. He likes to take antlers he finds and use them to create lamps and other crafts.

“I like to use the ones that are chewed on. A lot of times I don’t get to them in time and the squirrels and the chipmunks and the porcupines chew on them. I really like to use the ones that have that little bit of character,” said Drewek.

One of Matt’s best finds happened in a spot you may not suspect. He was driving through a city park when he spotted the tip of an antler.

“I jumped out of the truck and ran up the hill. I just quick grabbed it. Ran down the hill. Threw it in the truck and I just sat there in awe, like, what just happened?”

The rush of finding a giant antler or completing a paired set has these guys hooked.

“Number one, it’s a great opportunity to get out in the woods in the spring,” said Drewek.

“It’s a good way just to get out, get some vitamin-d in you. It’s enjoyable,” said Eggert.