CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said on Tuesday that shed antler hunters should be aware of changes to collection regulations regarding the season opening time.
The Game and Fish Commission decided to establish 6 am May 1, 2021 as the opening time for collection of shed antlers on public lands.
Game and Fish notes that wildlife and habitat management areas in the Jackson and Pinedale regions will also open at 6 am May 1 which will give anglers some fishing access.
“This includes Jackson Region WHMAs such as South Park, Horse Creek, Camp Creek and Grey’s River (Alpine); and Pinedale Region WHMAs such as Soda Lake, Luke Lynch, Half Moon and Fall Creek,” Game and Fish said. “This also means anglers will be able to access Soda Lake for fishing at 6 a.m. on May 1.”
Collection of shed antlers means searching for, locating, stockpiling or possession shed antlers and horns of big game animals. Collecting shed antlers during the closed season is a violation of regulations and Game and Fish says this carries the same penalties as many of their other regulations.
“Users are reminded to stay on designated travel routes and obey all signs,” the department said. “If roads become too wet due to spring moisture, users are asked to avoid traveling those roads to reduce resource damage.”
“More details on antler collection regulations and maps are available on the Game and Fish website,” the department said.
Recreationists are also reminded to be bear aware.
“It is recommended to hike in a group and make noise as you travel so bears can hear you, especially in thick cover or near streams,” Game and Fish said. “Learn to recognize areas of heavy bear use by knowing how to identify tracks, scats and diggings, and if you smell a carcass, avoid it. Flocks of magpies or ravens often indicate a nearby potential food source for bears. Remember, when bears scavenge large animals they often cover what they can’t eat with brush or dirt and may stay nearby for several days to defend it from other bears.”
“Commercially available bear spray is effective for stopping aggressive bears. Use bear spray only as a deterrent and as a last resort to avoiding a physical encounter. Carry bear spray in a readily accessible manner and make sure the spray is EPA approved. For more information on how to stay safe in bear country visit the Bear Wise Wyoming website.“
This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.
