CERTIFICATE NEEDED TO SELL SHED ANTLERS – Starting July 1, 2024, a new rule in Utah will require individuals or businesses to obtain a certificate of registration in order to legally buy and sell shed antlers from deer, elk, or moose. This regulation targets those engaging in the commercial resale of antlers for profit. The certificate costs $150 and is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Importantly, the rule doesn’t apply to recreational shed hunters who sell antlers they’ve found without intending to operate as a business.
Utah Introduces New Rule
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) introduced this regulation to address the increasing demand and commercial activity surrounding shed antlers. In recent years, selling antlers has become a lucrative business for various purposes, including crafting and dog chews, making the market more competitive. By requiring a certificate of registration, the DWR hopes to better monitor and regulate this growing trade, ensuring sustainable practices and preventing unethical behavior, such as antler gathering that might disturb wildlife or damage their habitats.
To obtain a certificate, applicants need to submit a form through the DWR website, along with the fee. After approval, the certificate must be carried during any purchase or sale of antlers and presented upon request by wildlife officers.
This law marks an important step in balancing economic interests with conservation efforts, ensuring that Utah’s wildlife is respected and protected while allowing legitimate commercial activities to continue. The DWR encourages people involved in the antler trade to stay informed about these new requirements to avoid penalties.
For more information and application details, you can visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.
Will this new rule impact you as a shed antler hunter or seller? Do you feel this was a needed rule for hunters, especially in the state of Utah?
