With spring just around the corner, it's an exciting time for those who enjoy gathering the antlers and horns shed by big game animals each year.

As you're having fun searching for antlers and horns this spring, remember that there are regulations you must follow regarding their possession. Also, remember to give the big game animals you encounter plenty of space.

Possession of Antlers and Horns

According to Utah law, a person may possess antlers or horns from legally taken animals, as well as 'shed' antlers and horns.

A shed antler or horn is one that has dropped from a big game animal (a moose, elk, deer or pronghorn antelope) as part of its life cycle. Shed antlers have a rounded base, commonly called a button or burr. The horns shed by pronghorn antelope are a hollow sheath. (Pronghorns are the only big game animals that shed their horns.)

Shed antlers and horns may be possessed at any time. There are no restrictions on their barter, trade or sale.

In contrast, antlers or horns that are attached to a skull plate must have been taken legally or purchased from someone who took the animal legally. The person who purchases antlers or horns attached to a skull plate must keep a transaction record that includes the name and address of the hunter the antlers or horns were purchased from, the hunter's permit number and the date of purchase or sale.

Antlers, horns and heads of legally taken animals may be purchased or sold only between Feb. 15 and July 31 annually. The transaction record allows the Division of Wildlife Resources to identify animals that have been taken legally. This requirement makes it easier to identify big game animals that were taken illegally for the trophy value of their antlers or horns.

Give Big Game Animals Plenty of Space

A deer sheds its antlers during February and March. Elk shed later than deer and at higher elevations.

This year, heavy snows blanket the high country. In many areas of Utah, much of the mid-elevation sagebrush steppe zone is dead or dying from years of drought and other factors.

This has forced elk and deer to concentrate at lower elevations.

Winter range crowding increases the animals' stress as they compete with each other for food and space. The animals' low energy reserves are taxed even more by human activity. Careless shed antler and horn hunters can tip the delicate energy balance, contributing to big game winterkill.

Probably the worst threat comes from irresponsible off-highway vehicle use. Off-road travel is illegal and should not be practiced at any time, especially when gathering antlers. The DWR has received reports of OHV riders chasing deer and elk through trees to knock off their antlers. This practice is extremely damaging and illegal. Anyone caught harassing wildlife will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

When you're collecting shed antlers and horns, please pay attention to the body language of the animals you see. If they appear to be nervous or begin to move away, give them more space by backing off or traveling in another direction.

Have Fun

Shed gathering can be a great family outing. Please remember the following as you gather shed antlers and horns this year:

- Avoid picking up antlers that are attached to a skull plate.
Instead, mark the area and contact your local DWR conservation officer.

- Respect the space and needs of wintering big game. Give them lots of room.

- Good luck and have fun!