Public Lands Closed to Shed Antler Collection Jan. 1

12/19/2011
Division of Wildlife

Public Lands Closed to Shed Antler Collection Jan. 1

 
GUNNISON, Colo. -- Winter is a stressful time for wildlife, a time when they need peace and quiet.  Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding people who collect shed antlers that special regulations in the Gunnison Basin restrict when antlers can be collected from public lands.
     
It can be tough for animals to get through the winter. Deer and elk can lose 30 percent or more of their body weight during the cold-weather months and often struggle to find food.
     
"Animals are under a lot of stress during the winter; the less energy they use unnecessarily the better their chance of surviving the winter," said J Wenum, area wildlife manager in Gunnison for the agency. "We request that people not disturb big game on the winter range."

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