Winter is a stressful time for wildlife, a time when they need peace and quiet. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding people who collect shed antlers that special regulations in the Gunnison Basin restrict when antlers can be collected from public lands.
It can be tough for animals to get through the winter. Deer and elk can lose 30 percent or more of their body weight during the cold-weather months and often struggle to find food.
"Animals are under a lot of stress during the winter; the less energy they use unnecessarily the better their chance of surviving the winter," said J Wenum, area wildlife manager in Gunnison for the agency. "We request that people not disturb big game on the winter range."
In the Gunnison Basin, there are two regulations in place to prevent disturbance of animals on public lands in big game management units 54, 55, 551, 66 and 67. Collection of shed antlers is prohibited on public lands within those units from Jan. 1 through March 14. From March 15 through May 15, shed antler collection is prohibited from legal sunset until 10 a.m.
Violations will result in confiscation of antlers, a $70 fine and five penalty points against the offender's hunting and fishing privileges. Harassing wildlife is also illegal under state statute and can result in additional fines.
Anyone who sees people collecting antlers during closure hours or other wildlife violations is asked to call the Gunnison Parks and Wildlife office at 970-641-7060.
Read the full article, "Public Lands Closed to Shed Antler Collection Jan. 1."