Antler shed collection closely monitored statewide
Shed antler hunting is still restricted in many areas of Wyoming, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department is actively enforcing trespassing rules. Wyoming’s shed antler law prohibits the collection of shed antlers and horns from January 1 through April 30 on public lands west of the Continental Divide, excluding the Great Divide Basin, and up to May 15 on some habitat management areas.
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulation, “collection” is defined as:to search for, locate, stockpile, or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land or attempt to search for, locate, stockpile, or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land. The purpose of the seasonal closure is to minimize harassment or disturbance of big game animals on their winter and spring ranges when animals are most vulnerable to stress and displacement to less productive habitats. Colorado and Utah have similar regulations.
“Big game animals that concentrate on winter ranges during the late winter and early spring are usually in poor body condition,” said Lee Knox, Laramie Region wildlife biologist. “Human disturbances, like shed antler hunting, contribute to additional losses of fat reserves, which directly affects their survival.”
Game and Fish is monitoring shed antler collection statewide. One of closely surveilled areas includes popular collection location, the Wick Wildlife Habitat Management Area, outside Elk Mountain. Ryan Kenneda, Elk Mountain game warden, enforces shed antler collection restrictions on the Wick WHMA using various law enforcement techniques.
“The Wick WHMA is closed to human presence until May 15, and entering the area during the seasonal closure for shed antler collection is illegal. The monitoring in place at Wick and other areas throughout the state will hopefully deter individuals from illegally collecting shed antlers as well as assist in the apprehension of those involved. Those who are caught will be prosecuted, and will have their shed, antlers confiscated,” said Kenneda.
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulation, “collection” is defined as:to search for, locate, stockpile, or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land or attempt to search for, locate, stockpile, or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land. The purpose of the seasonal closure is to minimize harassment or disturbance of big game animals on their winter and spring ranges when animals are most vulnerable to stress and displacement to less productive habitats. Colorado and Utah have similar regulations.
“Big game animals that concentrate on winter ranges during the late winter and early spring are usually in poor body condition,” said Lee Knox, Laramie Region wildlife biologist. “Human disturbances, like shed antler hunting, contribute to additional losses of fat reserves, which directly affects their survival.”
Game and Fish is monitoring shed antler collection statewide. One of closely surveilled areas includes popular collection location, the Wick Wildlife Habitat Management Area, outside Elk Mountain. Ryan Kenneda, Elk Mountain game warden, enforces shed antler collection restrictions on the Wick WHMA using various law enforcement techniques.
“The Wick WHMA is closed to human presence until May 15, and entering the area during the seasonal closure for shed antler collection is illegal. The monitoring in place at Wick and other areas throughout the state will hopefully deter individuals from illegally collecting shed antlers as well as assist in the apprehension of those involved. Those who are caught will be prosecuted, and will have their shed, antlers confiscated,” said Kenneda.
Wyoming Game and Fish (307) 777-4600
