JACKSON, Wyo. — Shed antler hunting and Jackson-Pinedale Wildlife Habitat Management Areas open in just under two weeks.
From January 1 until May 1 at 6:00 a.m the gathering of horns or shed antlers is prohibited on many public lands in Wyoming. This regulation has been in effect since 2009 and includes all federal and state-owned lands. A map of the closure area is available online and the boundaries are detailed within the regulation.
In addition, many big game winter ranges in both Teton and Sublette counties have further restrictions to either human presence or motor vehicles during the winter months. However, the shed antler regulation does apply to all other federal or public lands not covered under such winter range closures, explains Game and Fish.
Similarly, Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs) managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in the Jackson and Pinedale regions are closed to human presence from December 1 to May 1 at 6 a.m.
For information on Game & Fish WHMAs, visit the Game and Fish website.
Game and Fish explains that the purpose of the seasonal closure is to minimize harassment or disturbance of big game animals on their winter and spring ranges when animals are most vulnerable to stress and displacement to less productive habitats.
“Winter is particularly hard on big game animals in Wyoming, so it is especially important that they do not have to endure any unnecessary stress at this critical time of year,” says Game and Fish.
It is also important to note that animals have begun their annual migration toward their spring and summer ranges. As a result, many animals will be crossing roadways, so motorists are asked to slow down and keep a close watch for animals, especially during dawn and dusk hours. Additionally, landowners are asked to open any gates they can to make it easier for animals to move across the landscape.
