Antler Collectors Face Fines For Wildlife Harassment

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Deer and elk trying to find a bit of rest and respite during the harshest winter months are being harassed by antler collectors –who are turning a high profit on "sheds" or antlers shed by male animals during the winter, said the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The CPW Commission placed restrictions on the collection of sheds in 2018 to protect wintering wildlife from severe and constant stress from human activity, primarily shed collectors.

Collecting shed antlers is prohibited on all public lands west of Interstate 25 between Jan. 1 and April 30, the agency said. Additional restrictions apply in the Gunnison Basin.

Officials said anyone caught in possession of or collecting sheds illegally during this time - including shed horns and antlers and horns naturally attached to a skull plate - will face fines if they ignore the law. The restrictions do not apply to private lands; however, CPW officials remind everyone "trespassing laws are always in effect."

"Shed collecting has become extremely popular over the past decade because there is a significant potential for high profit," said Area Wildlife Manager Bill de Vergie of Meeker in a statement. "That has led to a major increase in the number of collectors spreading out in areas where elk and deer are trying to find a little respite from winter. The last thing wildlife needs at this time of year are people speeding by on ATVs or snowmobiles, dogs running around off-leash and so on. It's a very serious problem."

Each winter, as the snow begins to fall, elk and deer move down to their traditional winter range to search for what forage they can find, the agency said. But that food becomes scarce towards the end of the season. "The animals survive primarily on the fat stores they developed during summer and fall," the agency said.

Deer, elk and moose begin dropping their antlers in late winter. That's when hundreds of collectors "begin an intense, daily search for the freshest sheds - considered the most valuable - while the animals are still on their winter range and essentially starving," the agency said.

Some shed collectors have been witnessed chasing a herd with a snowmobile to startle the males into dropping their antlers, the agency said.

"If wildlife is pressed once a day or every other day, we would not have as much concern," said de Vergie. "But these animals are constantly pressured now, often running from perceived threats dozens of times per day. People may not see it happen right away but severely stressed animals and their offspring will starve to death when their fat stores are depleted."

Collectors were cited last year by wildlife officers, including "blatant violators" who hunted for shedded antlers on private property without permission.

Wildlife officers are ramping up enforcement in 2019, the agency said.

"We've done what we can to educate folks about the restrictions and why they are in place, including many face-to-face conversations," said de Vergie. "We hope that folks follow the rules and help us protect wildlife. If they don't, we will enforce our laws to the fullest extent."

Fines are $50 for each illegal shed, plus an $18 surcharge. In addition, hunting and fishing licenses and privileges may be taken away for up to five years.

"We are not trying to keep people from collecting sheds," said de Vergie in a statement. "We are just asking collectors to wait a bit, cut wildlife a break, wait until the restricted periods end then go out and get your sheds."

To report illegal wildlife activity, call your local CPW office. To remain anonymous, contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or citation.

For more information about shed collecting restrictions, visit the CPW website.

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