Gathering shed antlers is a popular hobby in the Uintah Basin and it’s one that the DWR is proposing changes to. The current rule is that someone heading out shed hunting is required to complete the 2024 DWR Antler Gathering Ethics course if you plan to gather shed antlers between February 1st and April 15th. The course is required each year and is free. During the 2024 legislative session, HB382 was passed which allows the Utah Wildlife Board to make some updates to shed hunting. With that, the DWR is proposing a few changes, including: No seasonal closures for Utah residents regarding shed antler gathering; Continuing to require the ethics course for residents and non-residents, and requiring it for any antler gathering between January 1st and May 31st each year; Allowing for emergency closures of antler gathering that are triggered by emergency winter feeding; Any closures for shed hunting would be statewide; The only exception for this would be on private land if the shed antlers were interfering with normal agricultural practices. Public comment can be submitted online. The Northeastern Utah RAC meeting will be on April 18th at 6pm at the DWR Vernal Office and the Wildlife Board meeting will be held May 2nd at 9am at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center.
