Gathering shed antlers is a popular pastime in the Uintah Basin but there’s an important step that must be taken before heading outdoors. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Antler Gathering Ethics Course must be completed first. Previously, the course was only required for those collecting shed antlers between February 1st and April 15th but last May, the Utah Wildlife Board made changes to the requirements. Now, completing the course is mandatory if you want to gather shed antlers anytime between January 1st and May 31st, and it must be completed each year. “During winter, big game animals, especially deer, often have a difficult time obtaining enough nutritional food,” shares DWR Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson. “As a result, they often survive on fat reserves they have built up before winter. If the animals receive constant pressure from people and repeatedly have to run or move, they can use up the fat reserves and energy they need to make it through the winter. Being disturbed briefly once or twice isn’t too significant, but we have over 20,000 people who routinely shed hunt in Utah each year, so ongoing, repeated disturbances can be detrimental to deer.” The free 2025 course is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov.
