To protect wintering big-game animals and sage grouse species, collection of shed antlers on all public lands west of Interstate 25 is prohibited from Jan. 1 to April 30.
Big-game and sage grouse species live in a basic survival mode during the winter when food is scarce. If forced to move and burn calories unnecessarily, wildlife can lose the energy they need to make it through the winter.
Shed-antler collecting has become popular. The interest in personal and commercial collection has led to a substantial increase in the number of people searching for antlers across big-game winter range in western Colorado. The seasonal prohibition applies to both commercial and personal collectors.
The act of antler hunting during the closure qualifies as one violation and possession of each individual antler is a separate violation. The fine for each offense is $100 plus five license-suspension points. If a person accumulates 20 points, his or her hunting privileges could be suspended.
Anyone witnessing violations of the shed-antler hunting regulations should call the nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or Operation Game Thief at (877) 265-6648.
