SALT LAKE CITY — The Department of Wildlife Resources has implemented emergency state-wide restrictions for shed antler hunting. These restrictions are set to help protect Big Game in Utah.

The restrictions are effective immediately and will last until April 30. They are in place across all of Utah.

DWR biologists have been monitoring the condition of deer in the state using GPS trackers. The department says the extreme cold and increased snowpack across the state are starting to impact mule deer survival rates.  Along with this, these conditions are making it tough for adult deer to survive through the winter.

The emergency state-wide restrictions also apply to people looking for horns or antlers still attached to the skull plate of deceased animals.

DWR conservation officers will be doing regular patrols this winter to enforce the antler gathering restrictions and ensure people aren’t disturbing winter wildlife. Individuals caught not following the restrictions could face citations. 

The last time Shed Hunting was prohibited in Utah was in 2017.

Devin Oldroyd contributed to this story.

Keep reading:

• UHP urges drivers to slow down around elk, other wildlife
• Why is there an increase of wildlife in SLC neighborhoods?
• Aggressive deer encounters have wildlife officials encouraging caution
• DWR seeks information on killing of buck deer and removal of its antlers