Hunters itching to get out and collect antlers shed by deer, elk and moose this winter, must wait until April 1 in Utah.
Those who collect shed antlers before shed gathering season reopens April 1, could face a fine of up to $1,000. The season runs through April 15.
But before shed hunters start to search, they are required complete the state's antler gathering ethics course. The free course takes about 20 minutes to complete and is available online.
After completing the course, collectors should print the certificate of completion and carry it while gathering shed antlers or face receiving a citation.
Since the statewide closure started Feb. 3, Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers have spent more than 2,300 hours patrolling and watching areas where big game animals congregate in the winter.
They've also responded to dozens of tips received on Utah's Turn-in-a-Poacher (UTiP) hotline (800)662-3337.
Conservation officers will enforce the closure until it ends April 1.
DWR Captain Mitch Lane says most of Utah's shed antler enthusiasts have obeyed the closure. And that's helped big game animals, especially deer, tremendously.
"Not getting pushed by people looking for shed antlers allowed the animals to conserve their energy reserves during a winter that was severe in some parts of the state," he says. "Not having to use as much energy made the difference between life and death for some of these animals."
As of March 21, 26 people had received citations for violating the closure. DWR conservation officers are also working on an additional 35 cases.
"We know people are anxious to get out and gather antlers," Lane says, "but you can't gather them until April 1."