Collecting shed antlers has become a very popular pastime in the western U.S. and Utah is no exception. However, a shed antlers ethics course certificate is required before you can pick up sheds in Utah.
The main goal of this course is to keep wintering wildlife safe in Utah. Late winter can be the hardest time for deer, elk, and moose to survive as they have burnt most of their fat reserves throughout the winter. Accidently or purposely pushing these animals too hard at this time of year can cause some of them to die. As a result, the Utah DWR requires all shed hunters from Feb. 1st and April 15th must carry an ethics course certificate with them.
“During winter, big game animals, especially deer, often have a difficult time finding food. If you spook an animal and cause it to run, the animal has to use up fat reserves and energy that it needs to make it through the winter.” – DWR Law Enforcement Capt. Chad Bettridge
The ethics course is a free class that teaches shed hunters the proper ways to interact with these animals while looking for sheds. This free course can be found on the Utah DWR website or you can click here. After hunters finish the course they need to make sure to print out the certificate and as stated above carry it with them. If you plan on shed hunting only after April 15th you will not need to complete this class. This class only allows you to pick up sheds on open areas, It does NOT allow you to pick up shed antlers in closed WMA’s.
You can read more about this ethics course by clicking here. Likewise, you can read more Utah-related hunting news by clicking here.
Have you shed hunted in Utah before? Do you plan on shed hunting in Utah this year? Let us know in the comments!
