Introduction to Shed Hunting in Colorado
Shed hunting is a relatively new, yet widely popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado and across the Western United States. In basic terms, shed hunting is the search for naturally molted antlers from deer, elk, and other species. Each year, these animals drop their antlers after the rut, or mating season, which typically occurs in December or January. Shed hunters venture out into the woods in hopes of finding these prized antler pieces. In the past , shed hunting was primarily enjoyed by avid hunters in search of good bait and tracking signs for the following hunting season. However, in recent years, the activity has increasingly been adopted by non-hunters as well.
The most prized elk and mule deer sheds can range in value from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and some shed hunters make a sport out of looking for unique and valuable pieces. Beyond the prices at which this antler can be resold, shed hunting is a fun and exciting way for those to explore the outdoors and enjoy the serenity and beauty that Colorado has to offer.
Legal Framework and Regulations
While shed hunting is generally permitted on public lands, specific laws and regulations may vary across states and counties. In Colorado, shed antler hunting is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the agency responsible for protecting the state’s wildlife and habitats. There are specific dates and regulations that apply to shed antler hunting within the state in order to minimize human disturbance on animals during their Winter stress periods as they are particularly vulnerable at this time of year.
In most parts of the state, the open season for shed hunting begins on May 1. However, in the San Juan Mountains, the open season begins on April 15 and runs through June 30. CPW officers often see shed hunters in the field, and in the "off" season if animals have started to drop antlers, CPW officers have the ability to write citations to those individuals who are picking up antlers or violating the restrictions.
Antler collection is not allowed in the following areas: Antler collection is prohibited from January 1st to April 30th to protect deer, elk, and aoudad. Sheds may be collected at any time of year outside of these areas with no limit on the number of sheds you can possess.
The area lies within Unit 62, which includes northwestern and western La Plata County, southwestern Dolores County, the eastern part of Montezuma County, and a small part of San Juan County. The area extends into Utah and Arizona, and the Utah DWR website has very similar regulations as Colorado. The season for shed hunting begins on April 1st and goes through May 30, from June 1 through August 31, and September 1 to October 31. In Utah, there are ongoing concerns with the impact of shed hunting on mule deer. Colorado and Utah are in the same area of the massive migration route for the deer, and protecting this migration route is important to both states.
No permits are required for collecting antlers or horns for non-commercial use.
Recent Developments in Colorado Shed Hunting Laws
In 2016, Colorado saw the introduction of significant changes to the laws regulating shed hunting. These new amendments were adopted to further protect Colorado’s wildlife from the potential impacts associated with recreational shed hunting activities. One such restriction prohibits shed hunting on designated trails and previously limited the time period of any such ban to March 1 to April 30. However, the latest amendments list an exact geographic area-the South San Juan Management Area ("SSJMA")-where the prior ban will apply; the SSJMA encompasses south-central Colorado. In short, one can now expect a ban on shed hunting activity in all designations of recreation and hiking trails within the SSJMA on and before April 30 each year. The new amendments also provide additional protections to deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope in southeastern Colorado, including Crowley County, Baca County, Bent County, Otero County, Otero Prairie Dog Stampede area, and Huerfano County. The new law bans any recreational shed hunting activity if done on or within one mile of any road, highway, or trail, on public lands (i.e., national forest or state trust land), during the months of February and March. Recreational shed hunters should note further that they risk criminal charges if the Colorado Parks and Wildlife determines that a shed or antler was collected in a manner that was harmful or injurious to any deer, elk, or pronghorn antelope. Several states have already enacted laws making it a misdemeanor to conduct any shed hunting activity if such a collection was harmful to such wildlife.
Guidelines for Legally Shed Hunting
To avoid any run-ins with the law while shed hunting, it is wise to review the following best practices: Respect the property rights of others as well as the rules and regulations of those whose land you are hunting on. Obtain prior permission before entering private property to hunt sheds. Make sure that you stick to the game laws in the areas that you are hunting. Plan trips based on deer activity. Traipsing through the woods with no prior knowledge of how deer related to your desired area is asking for issues with wildlife officers. Also be mindful of hunting seasons so that your travels do not coincide with prospective hunters that could alter your desired hunting areas. Be careful when approaching deer and other game. When you spot deer, keep your distance and watch their movements. Do not go after a bedded down deer. Instead, wait for the deer to arise from its resting place. If the deer does not move, then you should maintain a healthy distance and leave the area. Be aware that approaching deer can make them vulnerable, which could infinitely increase your chances of coming into conflict with an enforcement officer. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, "Shed antlers are the only naturally occurring deer, elk or moose antlers that can be legally collected without a special permit." Of course there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, it is illegal to pick up or possess shed deer, elk and moose antlers in the flattops Wilderness Study Area in the Routt National Forest between January 1 and March 31. It must be noted that wildlife officers have the authority to levy hefty fines for wildlife violations. Certain wildlife offenses can result in penalties that include confiscation of your vehicles, firearms, equipment, and even the animals themselves, not to mention jail time.
Environmental Impact and Legal Considerations
As with many outdoor activities, shed hunting can have an impact on the environment if hunters are not careful. Fortunately, with a few simple considerations in mind, shed hunters can avoid disrupting wildlife and ecosystems while still enjoying their passion. First and foremost, shed hunters should be mindful of the times of the year when their activities are least intrusive to wildlife and the health of their ecosystems. For the vast majority of the Rocky Mountain region, these times are early spring and fall. Early spring marks the prime season for both deer and elk to shed their antlers and, as a result, hunters can usually find the greatest quantity of antlers in the spring. Additionally, because many animals give birth during this time period, minimizing noise and physical disruption can go a long way in ensuring that wildlife is preserved. During fall, hunters can often locate the remaining pairs of shed antlers that were not collected in the spring. This season is also the optimal time to locate and collect antlers that have been weathered by the elements but may still be valuable to a collector. Shed hunters should also consider the terrain and habitat when planning a hunt . If the area they wish to hunt has rocky or uneven terrain that could lead to a damaged ecosystem, the hunter should plan to walk in a single file line, avoiding bringing multiple vehicles to the area. A high density of vehicles can cause significant erosion on dirt paths and create deep trenches in rocky areas. Additionally, hunters should never disturb or break open fences and other natural barriers during their hunts, as this can damage surrounding vegetation and disturb animal habitats. Antlers and horns make up an important part of the diets of many species of rodents and insects, and antlers can contribute to the health of surrounding ecosystems when consumed. A warm spring day with moist earth and ample amounts of rain presents the optimal conditions for mushroom and lichen growth, which require nitrogen in the soil to develop. Antlers provide a source of nitrogen to the soil when rodents, insects and even larger species, such as deer mice, remove these antlers from their original location and consume them. Breaking weathered antlers and leaving them behind allows for the protein in the antler to return to the soil and be utilized by surrounding vegetation.
Tips for Successful Shed Hunting in Colorado
Gear Preparation
A successful shed hunting trip in Colorado begins months in advance. After shed hunting through the winter, my gear consistently needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. Lesson #1: make sure your gear is up-to-par before snow melts and antlers begin to fall.
Comfortable hiking boots that you have broken-in are crucial. It is important to keep your feet warm in case you get stranded overnight. Dress in layers so you can keep comfortable while hiking up to the mountain ridge lines and can easily remove layers during periods of hiking downhill to reduce sweating. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable regardless of the forecast. A waterproof jacket is essential to save you from a surprise snowstorm. A first aid kit should be a part of your gear at all times. Pack food and snacks to keep your energy up and water in an insulated container so it doesn’t freeze within the first hour of your hike.
It’s also important to protect your eyes and your brain! Sunglasses with UV protection are a must. If you decide to take a fall while hiking downhill, you don’t want to risk hitting your head and not being able to call for help.
Finding Antlers
The key to finding antlers is to look in natural spots where there are no predators. Deer and elk don’t want to lose an antler when a predator is nearby. They will seek out areas with minimum obstacles to reducing the risk/intensity of impact during shedding. When shed antlers are found in extremely dense locations, antlers are likely to be broken or stuck to trees. Antlers found in open spaces are likely to be found in good condition. Look ahead for any signs of blood or fur where these animals may have triggered shedding. A quick internet search will yield good images of antlers to compare with your finds.
Big game will commonly shed only one antler, so there’s no need to find two antlers close together. Use your eyes and ears throughout your hike, you’ll be surprised how far you can hear deer and elk kicking rocks as they jump away from tiny branches breaking on the ground. Pay attention to your surroundings, animals often trigger the shedding process without your presence and you may stumble upon a shed just moments after it has been shed.
Take note of the trajectory of the shed antler. If the animal is spooked, antlers may fly a distance from where the animal is first heard.
Timing Your Hike
An early morning hike is preferred for two reasons. First, antlers are most likely to be found in open areas, where they have landed after a shed. Secondly, predator behavior is reduced early in the morning before it gets too bright. If you plan on crossing a creek, morning would be the preferred time to make the crossing, since predator density is low at this time.
Conclusion: Shedding Legal Light
In this article, we have explored the legal landscape surrounding shed hunting in Colorado, provided a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies and nuances of the rules and regulations, and shared practical advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. From the fundamental concept of shed hunting and its historical roots in ancestral hunting practices, to the evolution of regulations, we have covered a broad range of topics . Safe digging techniques, ethical considerations, and the pros and cons of using Google Maps and other modern technology for shed hunting have also been discussed.
As you embark on your shed hunting adventures, always remember to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for the area where you will be searching and respect private property rights. Shed hunting can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both individuals and families alike. We hope you have found this article helpful in deepening your understanding of Colorado’s shed hunting laws and regulations.