Poached items auctioned off to fund wildlife conservation

SALT LAKE CITY — The Division of Wildlife Resources will auction off antlers and furs seized during poaching investigations. The auction will be held from April 25 to April 26, through the TNT Auction website.

All money raised from the auction will directly go to funding wildlife conservation in Utah. 

“We need the public’s help in enforcing wildlife laws, which help to maintain healthy wildlife populations for future generations to enjoy,” DWR Capt. Chad Bettridge said. 

The majority of antlers in the auction are evidence from past investigations, and some are from roadkill.

On Monday, April 25, a public preview of the auction will take place. Viewers can do a walk-through from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range at 6000 W. 2100 South in Salt Lake City. The viewing will give people a chance to walk through to see antlers, bobcat furs, forfeited bows, and traps, along with other items. 

Antlers will sell in groups, possibly including one set of trophy-sized antlers or many small sets. Most of the antlers are from deer and elk. However, there are antlers and horns from moose and pronghorn. Also, some antlers are individual, but most of them remain connected to the animal’s skull.

“It is quite a sight to see all of these antlers, but the sad reality is that the majority of them are evidence of illegally killed wildlife,” Bettridge said. 

Related Stories: 

• Utah Wildlife Board votes to restrict trail camera use, makes other hunting changes 

• Wildlife rehab center rescues two bald eagles in one day

• Three new laws impact Utah hunters and landowners