What To Know About Utah's Shed Antler Collection Rules

Collecting shed antlers from deer, elk and moose is a long-standing pastime for many Utah families, but anyone planning to head outdoors in search of sheds should be aware of an important annual requirement. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources requires completion of its free Antler Gathering Ethics course for anyone gathering shed antlers between Jan. 1 and May 31. The course must be taken each year and is designed to protect wildlife during one of the most vulnerable times of the year.

Male deer, elk and moose naturally drop their antlers each winter and begin growing a new set in spring. While searching for sheds can be enjoyable, late winter and early spring place significant stress on big game animals. According to a DWR press release, Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson explained that winter forage is limited and animals rely heavily on fat reserves to survive. “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,” Robinson said, adding that with more than 20,000 people shed hunting each year, repeated disturbances can become harmful.

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Habitat conditions are also a concern during this period, as wet ground is more susceptible to damage. The ethics course teaches participants how to reduce stress on wildlife and minimize impacts to sensitive habitat. After completing the course, shed hunters must carry proof of completion, either stored digitally in the DWR Hunting and Fishing app or as a printed certificate in the field. Failure to complete the course or harassment of protected wildlife may result in citations from Utah Department of Natural Resources officers.

David Trinks

Not All Areas Can Be Used For Collection

While the course allows antler collection in many areas, restrictions still apply. Wildlife management areas may be seasonally closed, private property requires documented landowner permission, and Native American lands, national parks and many national monuments prohibit antler gathering altogether.

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Recent rule changes also allow legally obtained shed antlers to be bought and sold at any time, though commercial antler buyers must hold a certificate of registration. Additionally, anyone who finds a skull with antlers attached, known as a deadhead, is urged to report it using the Utah Deadhead Reporter app rather than disturbing the site.