Collecting antlers that fall off the heads of deer, elk and moose each winter is a popular pastime in Utah. However, before heading outdoors to collect shed antlers, shed hunters must complete the free Division of Wildlife Resources' Antler Gathering Ethics course.
After dropping their antlers, male deer, elk and moose will grow a new set starting this spring. Looking for the shed antlers is a fun activity that your whole family can enjoy.
However, late winter and early spring is a tough time of year for deer, elk and moose, which is why the educational ethics course is required for those who go shed hunting between Feb. 1 and April 15.
"During winter, big game animals, especially deer, often have a difficult time finding food," said Justin Shirley, DWR Law Enforcement chief. "If you spook an animal and cause it to run, the animal has to use fat reserves and energy it needs to make it through the winter."
From late winter through early spring, the habitat that big game animals rely on is usually wet, which means animals are more at risk for damage. Fortunately, shed antlers can be gathered without stressing animals or damaging their habitat. The free antler gathering ethics course teaches how to do that.
The free course can be found online.
After finishing the course, shed hunters must print the certificate of completion and carry it while gathering antlers. Children of parents who complete the course do not need to take the course if they accompany their parents to look for antlers; the certificate covers them, too.
Completing the course is mandatory for anyone who seeks to gather shed antlers from Feb. 1 through April 15.
Shed hunters who wait until after April 15 to gather antlers do not need to complete the course.
fter completing the course, individuals can gather antlers almost anywhere across Utah.
Exceptions include WMAs and private property.
Many of the state's wildlife management areas are closed in the winter and spring to protect animals and their habitat. Double check for any closures before entering a WMA to gather shed antlers. Shed hunters must have written permission from private property owners before gathering antlers.
Shed hunters who find a skull with the antlers or horns still attached should be aware that it's possible the animal was poached. Do not pick up or move the skull or disturb footprints or other evidence at the scene.
Instead, please take photos of the skull from a couple of angles. Pinpoint the location of the skull (preferably using GPS coordinates), and report your find to the nearest DWR office, and provide specific details in your report.
The DWR will send a conservation officer to investigate. If it's clear the animal died of natural causes, the shed hunter might be allowed to keep the find.