The Wyoming Game & Fish Department would like to remind shed hunters that the annual antler and horn gathering closure remains closed. This shed hunting closure covers much of southern and western Wyoming. WGFD officials state that this closure is in effect annually to protect big game animals on their winter ranges.
This closure is meant to prevent big game animals from burning their fat reserves during late winter and early spring. Officials believe that big game animals are most susceptible to fat reserve lost during this time of the year. As a result, many states have instituted shed hunting seasons or closures.
This shed hunting closure prohibits anyone from collecting shed antlers or horns on public lands west of the Continental Divide from Jan. 1st through 6 a.m. May 1st of each year. However, this closure excludes the Great Divide Basin and some land west of Laramie. You can find a map of what areas are affected by this closure by clicking here.
WGFD officials are also asking people to keep an eye on the wildlife in their most vulnerable time. Reporting wildlife harassment and shed antler or horn collection violations can stop someone from harming wildlife. Violations can be reported by calling call the STOP Poaching Hotline at 1-877-943-3847 (1-877-WGFD-TIP). You can also text keyword WGFD and message to TIP411 (847-411) to report via text message. Lastly, violations can be reported online by clicking here.
Shed seasons and closures are touchy subjects with many opinions on each side. The main goal of us at Ehuntr covering this story is to keep hunters in the know and prevent them from getting a violation.
You can read more Wyoming hunting news by clicking here.
