Collecting dropped antlers of deer, elk and moose each winter is a popular pastime in Utah. Before beginning, shed hunters are required to complete the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' Antler Gathering Ethics course.
After dropping antlers, male deer, elk and moose begin growing a new set starting in spring. Looking for shed antlers is a fun activity families 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 shed hunting between Feb. 1 and April 15.
"During winter, big game animals, especially deer, often have a difficult time finding food," said Capt. Chad Bettridge, DWR Law Enforcement. "If you spook an animal and cause it to run, the animal has to use up fat reserves and energy that it needs to make it through the winter."
From late winter through early spring, habitat big game animals rely on is usually wet, which means it's more at risk for damage. But shed antlers can be gathered without stressing the animals or damaging habitat, and the free antler-gathering ethics course teaches how it should be done. It is available free online.
After finishing the course, participants must print the certificate of completion and carry it while shed hunting. The course is mandatory for anyone who gathers shed antlers Feb. 1 through April 15. Those who wait until April 15 to gather shed antlers are not required to complete the course.
After completing the course, shed hunters can gather antlers almost anywhere across Utah, except for Wildlife management areas.
Many of the state's wildlife management areas are closed in the winter and spring to protect animals and their habitat. Check for any closures before entering a WMA to gather sheds. A list of Utah's wildlife management areas is available online.
Ant shed hunter who finds a skull with the antlers or horns still attached, should realize it is possible the animal was poached. Do not pick up or move the skull or disturb footprints or other evidence at the scene. Instead, take photos of the skull from a couple of angles; pinpoint the location of the skull, preferably using GPS coordinates, and be specific about the find.
Report the find to the nearest DWR Office or text 847411. A DWR conservation officer will investigate. If it's clear the animal died of natural causes, the shed hunter may be allowed to keep the find.
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February 01, 2022 at 02:36AM
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Ethics course required before gathering shed antlers - Buckmasters Online
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