Before you head out gathering shed antlers, the Division of Wildlife Resources reminds individuals to first complete the online course. To gather sheds anytime
between February 1st and April 15th
, a certificate of completion should be printed off and kept on your person. DNR reports, “The Antler Gathering Ethics course is in place to protect the animals during this critical time of year. The free course shouldn’t take more than a few minutes and will teach you how to responsibly gather shed antlers without stressing animals or damaging their habitat.” If you have young children and you’ve completed the course, then the certificate will cover the kids too. Gathering shed antlers is considered an activity the entire family can enjoy but it’s crucial that everyone remember that late winter and early spring is a tough time of year for deer, elk, and moose. “The animals often have a difficult time finding food. If you spook an animal and cause it to run, the animal has to use up fat reserves and energy it needs to survive through the winter,” DNR explains. To take the course, visit
www.wildlife.utah.gov/shedantler
.
