After the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners voted unanimously in March to regulate antler shed hunting, opinions vary across the state…

 

Based on the potential impact affecting wintering deer and elk populations, the Commission voted to prohibit antler shed hunting in Nevada from January 1st through April 15th.

 

The practice of hunting and collecting of shed antlers was cited as causing potential impact on deer and elk herds.  This impact includes increased pressure on the animals in winter range habitat, habitat destruction due to off-road vehicle traffic, and the potential harassment and chasing of animals in order to cause antler drop.

 

Although some outdoor enthusiasts collect shed antlers as a pastime, the sheds have tremendous value for serious collectors, with material from the sheds being used for design and decorative purposes.   Elk sheds have been cited as bringing as much as $9-$12 a pound (several hundred dollars or more for a large rack).

Some opposing views to the new regulations have been voiced the past month…….

 

◾Can the new regulations actually be enforced by wildlife officials (with much of Nevada terrain impossible to be regularly patrolled)……?

◾Does the new regulation penalize the average enthusiast who happens to pick up some sheds as he’s walking the terrain?

◾With the pre-existing regulation prohibiting harassment of wildlife previously in the books, does the new regulation add another level of restriction who have been following the rules all along?

 

 

 

 

Whatever your opinion, Nevada is now in-line with neighboring states who have had similar shed antler regulations for years.  In addition to Nevada residents, out of state collectors can no longer come to Nevada to legally hunt the sheds during winter months.