Utah Prohibits Shed Antler Collection Until May 1
AGCHAWK
2/7/07 6:13pm
For you Utah shed hunters.
Something I didn't know in this article. It is illegal in Utah to pick up horns or antlers that are still attached to the skull plate. How many other states have this same law?
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Beginning Feb. 1, the collection of antlers shed by deer, elk and moose is prohibited in Northern Utah. Antler collection on both public and private lands is closed from February through April.
A growing interest in gathering antlers shed in the winter by deer, elk, and moose has led to increasing numbers of "shed hunters" spending time on ranges that big game animals use in the winter.
The very presence of people on these areas in the winter can have unintended consequences on big game animals. For example, the animals have to use their energy to avoid people. In some cases, antler hunters have intentionally chased animals to try and make their antlers fall off.
Irresponsible use of off-highway vehicles in these areas can also damage habitat that is critical to big game animals. The melting snows in late winter and early spring make the soils moist. Taking OHVs into these areas can cause increased erosion and can damage important plants.
Mule deer fawns
Winter is usually the most treacherous time of the year for mule deer fawns. Cold temperatures, deep snow and limited food can lead to the deaths of many fawns. Unnecessary disturbance by people just adds to the problem. Disturbance by people causes deer to flee and use their precious energy reserves. The deer need these energy reserves to make it through the winter.
Even under the best winter conditions, some fawns will die. That's why it's so important not to disturb deer during this critical time of year.
Shed antler restrictions in Northern Utah
A committee comprised of sportsmen, people from the agricultural community, and state and federal wildlife officials have determined that helping more fawns survive the winter is one of the first steps to increasing deer populations in Northern Utah. Based on the group's recommendations, all five of Utah's Regional Advisory Councils and the Utah Wildlife Board voted to restrict the collection of shed antlers in Northern Utah this year.
Collection allowed after May 1
The collection of shed antlers is allowed from May 1, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2008.
When the season opens on May 1, please remember that you must obey all state and federal off-road vehicle rules. You must also respect the rights of private property owners.
Also remember that it's illegal to pick up antlers or horns that are still attached to the skull plate of a dead animal.
For more information about Utah's shed antler gathering regulations, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
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Something I didn't know in this article. It is illegal in Utah to pick up horns or antlers that are still attached to the skull plate. How many other states have this same law?
__________________________________________________________
Beginning Feb. 1, the collection of antlers shed by deer, elk and moose is prohibited in Northern Utah. Antler collection on both public and private lands is closed from February through April.
A growing interest in gathering antlers shed in the winter by deer, elk, and moose has led to increasing numbers of "shed hunters" spending time on ranges that big game animals use in the winter.
The very presence of people on these areas in the winter can have unintended consequences on big game animals. For example, the animals have to use their energy to avoid people. In some cases, antler hunters have intentionally chased animals to try and make their antlers fall off.
Irresponsible use of off-highway vehicles in these areas can also damage habitat that is critical to big game animals. The melting snows in late winter and early spring make the soils moist. Taking OHVs into these areas can cause increased erosion and can damage important plants.
Mule deer fawns
Winter is usually the most treacherous time of the year for mule deer fawns. Cold temperatures, deep snow and limited food can lead to the deaths of many fawns. Unnecessary disturbance by people just adds to the problem. Disturbance by people causes deer to flee and use their precious energy reserves. The deer need these energy reserves to make it through the winter.
Even under the best winter conditions, some fawns will die. That's why it's so important not to disturb deer during this critical time of year.
Shed antler restrictions in Northern Utah
A committee comprised of sportsmen, people from the agricultural community, and state and federal wildlife officials have determined that helping more fawns survive the winter is one of the first steps to increasing deer populations in Northern Utah. Based on the group's recommendations, all five of Utah's Regional Advisory Councils and the Utah Wildlife Board voted to restrict the collection of shed antlers in Northern Utah this year.
Collection allowed after May 1
The collection of shed antlers is allowed from May 1, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2008.
When the season opens on May 1, please remember that you must obey all state and federal off-road vehicle rules. You must also respect the rights of private property owners.
Also remember that it's illegal to pick up antlers or horns that are still attached to the skull plate of a dead animal.
For more information about Utah's shed antler gathering regulations, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
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9,104
I was just surprised that it was illegal to keep antlers/horns that are still attached to the headplate...in other words the only sheds that are legal to keep are true sheds vice animals that were killed by predators or the hardships of winter.
I found this one a while back, but had to leave it in the hills.
Killerbee, I would assume that that's why in Oregon you have to tag it.
NONYA, the bighorn rule is the same in WA...in fact, I believe MOST states have similar laws regarding sheep. I know you can't sell or possess bighorn skulls, horns, mounts, etc without a permit of some sort...if at all.
I've been trying to find out how many states have similar rules regarding picking up antlers or horns still attached to the skull plate. Man, I think I bit off more than I can chew (Some of the state game rules/proclamations are extremely wordy!!!)
OH yeah... they make it illegal to pick up dead bucks with the antlers still attached because people will go out and poach deer then go put them somewhere where they wont be found and then come back and get them after all the hair is gone!