Gathering shed antlers or horns

Take the Antler Gathering Ethics Course between Feb. 1 and April 15.

You may gather shed antlers or horns — or parts of shed antlers or horns — statewide, but there is one seasonal requirement.

From Feb. 1 to April 15, you must have an antler-gathering certificate on your person while collecting shed antlers or horns. You do not need an antler-gathering certificate at any other time of the year.

You can obtain this free certificate completing the online Antler Gathering Ethics Course, but you must complete the course every year.

Important — The antler-gathering certificate does not authorize you to trepass on closed areas or private lands to collect shed antlers or horns.

What if I find antlers or horns attached to a skull?

If you find a skull with the antlers or horns still attached, it's possible the animal was poached. Do not pick up or move the skull, or disturb footprints or other evidence. Instead, please take the following steps:

• Take photos from a couple of angles
• Pinpoint the location of the skull (preferably its GPS coordinates)
• Report your find to a Division office
• Provide key details in your report

The DWR will send a conservation officer to investigate if the animal was poached. If it's clear that the animal died of natural causes, we may allow you to keep your find.