Wyoming Game and Fish enforcing antler regulations

Early season antler hunters are advised to slow down.

Wyoming Game and Fish says there is a regulated season in place that forbids gathering of horns or antlers. It is in effect from January 1 to April 30 on public lands west of the Continental Divide in Wyoming. It has been in effect since 2009 on all state and federal owned lands.

Many other big game winter ranges, particularly in Teton and Sublette Counties have further restrictions on either human presence or motor vehicles during the winter months.

Any antlers or horns found in Wyoming that are still attached to the skull need to be tagged with an Interstate Game Tag by a Wyoming Game and fish law enforcement officer. Finders should contact a game warden before removing the head from the field. There is an $8 fee for the tag.

The seasonal closure is in effect to minimize the harassment or disturbance of big game animals on their winter and spring ranges when they’re at their most vulnerable to stress and displacement. Game and Fish officials said this winter has been particularly hard on many big game herds in the state.

“We hope these citations and the resulting sentences send a strong message that we are taking these violations seriously,” said Pinedale Wildlife Supervisor John Lund.

Wyoming Game and Fish details additional game wardens to increase enforcement presence on key winter ranges to deter poaching and enforce antler hunting regulations until the animals have shed their antlers for the season.

Many animals are now beginning migration to their summer ranges and may be crossing roads.