Every year, wildlife — deer, elk, pronghorn and moose — naturally shed their antlers in the fall and winter, then grow a new set in spring and summer. For hikers going out in search of these fallen antlers, shed hunting can feel like a treasure hunt.
A deer’s antler is part of the scenery at Steamboat Lake. (Provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife)On public lands in Colorado, there is seasonal access to certain areas where antler-shedding animals roam. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, shed hunting is permitted on public lands west of Interstate 25 starting May 1. That includes the majority of the foothills and mountains.
“There are rules on the collection and possession of shed antlers and horns on public lands because they are considered ‘wildlife,’” said Bridget O’Rourke, statewide public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “The purpose of this regulation is to reduce stress on wintering big game animals during the time of year when big game animals such as deer, elk, pronghorn and moose are most vulnerable.”
There are approximately 280,000 Rocky Mountain Elk and about 400,000 mule deer in Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
East of I-25, shed hunting is allowed year-round on public lands. It’s important to note that private lands are not included in these regulations, but people need “lawful access” to possess antlers or horns on any private property. There are fines and other consequences for illegal shed hunting. (In Vermejo in northern New Mexico, you can sign up for guided shed hunting on the private 550,000-acre Ted Turner Reserve, where there are an estimated 7,000 elk and 3,000 deer.)
It might seem odd to have restrictions on something that an animal has naturally discarded, but CPW explains that it can help wildlife by reducing any potential human disturbance to their habitat.
“Mule deer attempt to minimize their energy expenditures in winter because of reduced available habitat and low-quality forage,” its website states. “Winter disturbance by humans can require deer to expend unnecessary energy, which can affect survival and reproduction. Stress associated with movement and displacement of mule deer by shed antler hunters adds to their physiological strain and potentially reduces their survival to spring. Lower survival and reproduction can ultimately reduce the number of deer available for hunting and viewing.”
Shed hunting can also add depth to a hike as hunters need to focus on the details around them, looking closely at the slope of the land for signs of the white-ish grey antlers poking up. And rather than hiking ahead to a destination — say, a waterfall or a lake — you move more slowly, pausing and peering down into watersheds where deer and elk may have gathered, and taking a closer look at trees, rocks and tiny flowers along the way.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s advice for responsible shed hunting:
Don’t harass mule deer or other wildlife, and report any harassment you witness to a wildlife officer. Always keep your distance from wildlife for your safety and the well-being of the animals. Keep your pets leashed while shed hunting. Stick to designated roads and trails, both on foot and in vehicles.For those lucky enough to find some horns or antlers left behind, you have choices on what to do next. One option is to take photos and leave them where you found them.
“The two main reasons to leave sheds in the environment are that they provide valuable mineral resources to small mammals,” said O’Rourke. “The second is that coming out of winter, big game animals are vulnerable and disturbing them by trying to collect shed antlers can provide unnecessary stress.”
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They can then be used as décor in the home, as a conversation piece. If you are interested in selling them, prices for antlers vary depending on the type; smaller ones are likely to be priced by the pound.
Mindy Sink is a Colorado-based freelance writer specializing in the outdoors.
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