Warmer weather brings a favorite pastime for outdoorsman to enjoy in backcountry which is gathering shed antlers. Any individuals with plans to shed horn hunt this year must complete the Division of Wildlife Resources’ Antler Gathering Ethics course.

“It’s a lot of fun to go out and find an antler and think about the wildlife that has been through there, but one thing we hope people will keep in mind is to just be responsible and be ethical while you’re out there looking for sheds,” said Conservation Outreach Manager, Morgan Jacobsen. “One of the ways that we hope that will happen is that we ask people to take Antler Gathering Ethics course online before they head out.” The free course is available online at www.wildlifre.utah.gov/shedantler and will explain how to gather shed antlers without stressing the animals or damaging their habitat.

“In fact, a certificate of completion of that course is required for people gathering shed antlers between February 1 through April 15, you must have that certificate on your persons while you our out gathering sheds,” stated Jacobsen. Young children will not be required to take the course as long as the parent/guardian accompanying them has their certificate of completion. Any individuals that wait until April 15 or later to gather antlers will not be required to complete the course.

The completed course will allow individuals to gather antlers across Utah with two exceptions, state’s wildlife management areas are closed in the winter and spring and written permission must be obtained from landowners before gathering on private land.

If a skull is found with the antlers or horns still attached DWR asks that you do not touch or move it. “You know that reason for that is that it might be a part of an animal that was poached or killed illegally. So, we have our conservation officers come out and investigate that and if they determine that it was not an illegal kill, you may be able to take those antlers home with you,” explained Jacobsen. DWR asks that a couple of photos of the skull be taken, pinpoint the GPS coordinates of the skull, report to your DWR office to provide key details of your report.

For more information about gathering shed antlers in Utah, call the DWR office in Price at (435) 613-3707.