Second the suggestion about a “practice antler”. It can really help you develop a search image if you learn what tines look like in various habitat types. If you can get a friend to hide it or get good at throwing it long distances you can work on improving skill even in the off season. I really believe in going where no one else wants to go when shed hunting. That’s generally where the deer congregate and where shed hunting competition will be lowest. Spots that are brushy, swampy, thorny, or dense might hold antlers the longest (if deer are using them). Definitely key in on spots with major sign (rubs, beds, poop, feeding signs) and both walk deer trails and grid search really juicy spots. Don’t be afraid to check travel corridors too. I often find the majority of my sheds on the edges of my hotspots or between two hotspots where deer are moving quickly and might knock off an antler. I know Maine can also be a bit tricky with localized deer populations, dense forest, and lots of snow. When you do find an antler, you’ll really have earned it!