Some more info about the new shed hunting regulations
Colorado Parks & Wildlife -
Collection and Possession of Shed Antlers
Shed Antler and Horn Hunting in Colorado
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new regulations?
On Thursday, January 11, 2018, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to prohibit shed antler and horn collection on all public lands west of I-25 from January 1 through April 30, annually. This year, the new regulations will be enforced on public lands beginning March 2.
In addition, to further protect the Gunnison sage-grouse, the new regulations include a time-of-day closure in the Gunnison Basin May 1 - 15 from sunset to 10 a.m. This closure applies to public lands in Game Management Units 54, 55, 66, 67, 551.
Why is this necessary? How does shed hunting hurt deer, elk and other wintering wildlife?
The purpose of this regulation is to reduce stress on wintering big game animals during the time of year when deer, elk, pronghorn and moose are most vulnerable. Stress can result in decreased body condition, increased mortality and decreased fawn/calf survival. These regulations protect the health of Colorado's big game herds.
Why were these dates chosen?
These dates closely align with restrictions in neighboring states. Utah has closed shed antler hunting statewide until April 1. Wyoming prohibits the collection of shed antlers and horns from January 1 through April 30 on public lands west of the Continental Divide. The CPW Commission chose to align its restrictions more closely with Wyoming, where Colorado gets its biggest influx of both shed antler hunters and wildlife.
Why are other kinds of recreation and hunting still allowed in areas where shed hunting is restricted?
While it is true that these restrictions may overlap with some seasons, such as the spring hunting season for turkeys, the amount of pressure put on the animals will be limited by the number of hunting license holders. Hikers and bikers also tend to put less pressure on animals by staying on established trails, whereas dedicated shed hunters often explore an entire area in a grid pattern, searching it systematically.
What is CPW going to do to let all recreationists know about the shed hunting restriction?
As more people enjoy each season Colorado has to offer, and new forms of recreation continue to emerge, it will be very important for CPW staff to work with recreation organizations and local communities to get the word out. Protecting our wintering wildlife is something we have to do together. Everyone involved in education needs to help educate people who are out on public lands. We will also be working with local visitors bureaus to help get the information to people visiting Colorado.
What are the penalties for violations?
Each violation comes with a $50 fine and $18 surcharge. Additionally, possession of antlers during the closure on public lands west of I-25 can also be counted as a separate ($68) violation with each individual antler being considered a possible violation offense.
What about private lands?
The CPW Commission chose not to include a private land requirement in its decision to enact a shed hunting closure in Colorado.
Is shed and horn hunting growing in popularity?
Although shed hunting is not a new activity in Colorado, there is evidence that it is rapidly growing in popularity. At the CPW Commission's January meeting, both the commissioners and members of the public noted they had seen a big increase in shed hunting around the state.
In some states, you need a permit to hunt sheds. Is Colorado considering the same?
The requirement of a priced permit for collecting shed antlers and horns is a novel concept that would be precedent-setting in the western U.S. Although the CPW Commission decided not to require a permit at its latest meeting, it is an issue it may revisit in the future.
Will the BLM/Forest Service/Sheriff's Office, enforce the new regulation as well?
These agencies will notify CPW if they catch violators and coordinate with CPW officers to write the tickets.
Why do people like to hunt sheds?
There are many different reasons why people enjoy shed hunting. Some people shed hunt in order to gain information on an animal or herd's habits when building a hunting strategy for the coming year. Some just enjoy the thrill of finding a connection with Colorado wildlife out on the trail. Others recognize that people will pay money for shed antlers and hunting for them has become a business.
Once an antler or horn drops, why is it still the purview of CPW? It is no longer 'wildlife.'
Shed antlers or shed horns are still considered "wildlife" based on the statutory definition, which includes any parts thereof and whether alive or dead.
Have there been past restrictions?
Previously there were two localized antler collection closures in place, one for public lands in the Gunnison Basin and one for public lands in the Eagle and Roaring Fork Valleys. The problem with these closures was that it was moving the antler collection pressure to other areas of the state without closures, but still with important winter range habitats. The only other restriction that is also in place is the harassment of wildlife statute, which can be written to any individual who is harassing wildlife, including shed collectors. A harassment ticket is $137.
What if I'm doing something unrelated, like hiking, and find an antler?
If you are hiking in an area where there is currently a shed antler and horn collecting closure and you see an antler or horn, you are advised to leave it alone. There is no way for a CPW officer to differentiate between you and someone who entered the area for the purpose of shed hunting.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife -
Collection and Possession of Shed Antlers
Shed Antler and Horn Hunting in Colorado
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new regulations?
On Thursday, January 11, 2018, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to prohibit shed antler and horn collection on all public lands west of I-25 from January 1 through April 30, annually. This year, the new regulations will be enforced on public lands beginning March 2.
In addition, to further protect the Gunnison sage-grouse, the new regulations include a time-of-day closure in the Gunnison Basin May 1 - 15 from sunset to 10 a.m. This closure applies to public lands in Game Management Units 54, 55, 66, 67, 551.
Why is this necessary? How does shed hunting hurt deer, elk and other wintering wildlife?
The purpose of this regulation is to reduce stress on wintering big game animals during the time of year when deer, elk, pronghorn and moose are most vulnerable. Stress can result in decreased body condition, increased mortality and decreased fawn/calf survival. These regulations protect the health of Colorado's big game herds.
Why were these dates chosen?
These dates closely align with restrictions in neighboring states. Utah has closed shed antler hunting statewide until April 1. Wyoming prohibits the collection of shed antlers and horns from January 1 through April 30 on public lands west of the Continental Divide. The CPW Commission chose to align its restrictions more closely with Wyoming, where Colorado gets its biggest influx of both shed antler hunters and wildlife.
Why are other kinds of recreation and hunting still allowed in areas where shed hunting is restricted?
While it is true that these restrictions may overlap with some seasons, such as the spring hunting season for turkeys, the amount of pressure put on the animals will be limited by the number of hunting license holders. Hikers and bikers also tend to put less pressure on animals by staying on established trails, whereas dedicated shed hunters often explore an entire area in a grid pattern, searching it systematically.
What is CPW going to do to let all recreationists know about the shed hunting restriction?
As more people enjoy each season Colorado has to offer, and new forms of recreation continue to emerge, it will be very important for CPW staff to work with recreation organizations and local communities to get the word out. Protecting our wintering wildlife is something we have to do together. Everyone involved in education needs to help educate people who are out on public lands. We will also be working with local visitors bureaus to help get the information to people visiting Colorado.
What are the penalties for violations?
Each violation comes with a $50 fine and $18 surcharge. Additionally, possession of antlers during the closure on public lands west of I-25 can also be counted as a separate ($68) violation with each individual antler being considered a possible violation offense.
What about private lands?
The CPW Commission chose not to include a private land requirement in its decision to enact a shed hunting closure in Colorado.
Is shed and horn hunting growing in popularity?
Although shed hunting is not a new activity in Colorado, there is evidence that it is rapidly growing in popularity. At the CPW Commission's January meeting, both the commissioners and members of the public noted they had seen a big increase in shed hunting around the state.
In some states, you need a permit to hunt sheds. Is Colorado considering the same?
The requirement of a priced permit for collecting shed antlers and horns is a novel concept that would be precedent-setting in the western U.S. Although the CPW Commission decided not to require a permit at its latest meeting, it is an issue it may revisit in the future.
Will the BLM/Forest Service/Sheriff's Office, enforce the new regulation as well?
These agencies will notify CPW if they catch violators and coordinate with CPW officers to write the tickets.
Why do people like to hunt sheds?
There are many different reasons why people enjoy shed hunting. Some people shed hunt in order to gain information on an animal or herd's habits when building a hunting strategy for the coming year. Some just enjoy the thrill of finding a connection with Colorado wildlife out on the trail. Others recognize that people will pay money for shed antlers and hunting for them has become a business.
Once an antler or horn drops, why is it still the purview of CPW? It is no longer 'wildlife.'
Shed antlers or shed horns are still considered "wildlife" based on the statutory definition, which includes any parts thereof and whether alive or dead.
Have there been past restrictions?
Previously there were two localized antler collection closures in place, one for public lands in the Gunnison Basin and one for public lands in the Eagle and Roaring Fork Valleys. The problem with these closures was that it was moving the antler collection pressure to other areas of the state without closures, but still with important winter range habitats. The only other restriction that is also in place is the harassment of wildlife statute, which can be written to any individual who is harassing wildlife, including shed collectors. A harassment ticket is $137.
What if I'm doing something unrelated, like hiking, and find an antler?
If you are hiking in an area where there is currently a shed antler and horn collecting closure and you see an antler or horn, you are advised to leave it alone. There is no way for a CPW officer to differentiate between you and someone who entered the area for the purpose of shed hunting.
