DWR requiring course to gather shed antlers during spring

DWR requiring course to gather shed antlers during spring

By Faith Heaton Jolley

February 12th, 2015 @ 3:36pm

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Gathering antler sheds is a hobby for many Utahns, and it is growing in popularity across the U.S. The Division of Wildlife Resources is now requiring participants to complete an online course before gathering sheds from Feb. 1 to April 15.

Elk and deer in Utah typically shed their antlers during the winter months, and that is when many people gather the shed antlers, according to a DWR news release. DWR officials said during the winter, the ground is often wet in the deer and elk environments and the habitats can be easily damaged.

Because its wet, it can be easily damaged, DWR law enforcement section chief Tony Wood said in the news release. Once the habitat is damaged, it can take years for it to recover.

The animals are also weaker and more stressed during the winter months because it is hard for them to move and find food, the news release said. In an effort to preserve the habitats and decrease stress to the animals, DWR officials are requiring Utahns to complete an online course before they can hunt shed antlers from Feb. 1 to April 15.

The mandatory online Antler Gathering Ethics course will help educate Utahns to prevent habitat damage. Once participants have completed the course, they can print out a certificate and must carry it with them while gathering shed antlers from Feb. 1 to April 15. If an adult takes young children shed hunting, the certificate will cover them as well, the news release said.

Participants can gather sheds throughout most of Utah with the certificate. However, because wildlife are so vulnerable this time of the year, many of the states wildlife management areas are closed in the winter and the spring to protect the animals, Wood said.

Anyone gathering antler sheds after April 15 does not need to complete the online course. Click here to take the free Antler Gathering Ethics course.

The rest is here:
DWR requiring course to gather shed antlers during spring