Winter is a popular time to gather shed antlers in the Uintah Basin but the Division of Wildlife Resources has some timely reminders before heading out. First things first, if you plan to gather shed antlers anytime between February 1st and April 15th, a free course must be complete and once complete, a certificate of completion must be printed off and kept on your person while out gathering antlers. 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 all remember that late winter and early spring is a tough time of year for deer, elk, and moose. “During winter,” shares DWR Captain Justin Shirley, “big game animals, especially deer, 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 make it through the winter.” The free course will teach shed antler hunters how to go out gathering without stressing the animals or damaging their habitat. To take the course, visit
www.wildlife.utah.gov/shedantler
.
