JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) have postponed shed antler and horn collecting on designated lands in southwest Wyoming, including Pinedale but excluding Teton County, until 6 a.m on May 15.
The emergency extended closure of the shed antler and horn hunting regulation is to protect big game on winter ranges who are struggling with the extended harsh winter.
“Big game animals have experienced a tough winter and are highly vulnerable to human-caused disturbances, such as being moved around by people on the landscape gathering antlers,” said Rick King, WGFD chief of wildlife, in a press release. “The unnecessary use of energy and undue stress can increase mortality. Postponing the shed antler collection in some areas of the state will help minimize stress, protect big game and increase their chance of survival.”
The shed antler hunt in Teton County on U.S. Forest Service lands adjacent to the National Elk Refuge will open as originally planned at 6 a.m. on May 1.
According to a WGFD press release, the relatively small numbers of pronghorn and mule deer that winter in Teton County and the required coordinated interagency effort to manage the large influx of antler hunters who come to Teton County to collect antlers led to this decision.
Anyone found violating the closures or illegally gathering antlers within the emergency regulation boundaries may be cited.
“We know shed hunting is a popular activity for many families in Wyoming, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding, patience and cooperation,” said Brian Nesvik, WGFD director. “These efforts will help reduce stress on Wyoming’s big game animals and increase their chances of surviving.”
A map of the emergency regulation area is available here.
