JACKSON, Wyo. — On Thursday, May 1, antler hunters headed out into the backcountry hoping to gather their bounty of shed elk, deer and moose racks.
Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer captured the energy of the day, with antlers bundled together on horses, in truck pickups and even strapped on the backs of hikers.
Many trailers and trucks could be seen parked along the side of the road as people set out on foot or horseback to expand their search into more remote areas.
Some Wyomingites ventured out at the crack of dawn for the best antler selection.
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), animal heads or skulls with antlers and horns could only be collected with proper approval from WGFD law enforcement.
Antler collection on public land opens to nonresidents on Thursday, May 8, in Collection Area 1. A conservation stamp is required for all nonresidents 15 years of age and older.
The ElkFest and Antler Auction in Jackson is scheduled for Saturday, May 17. All elk antlers sold at the annual auction are naturally shed on the National Elk Refuge.
