Idaho requests shed antler hunting season feedback

This winter was brutal for wildlife. Severe cold, deep snow and little food led to increased mortality – so much so that to help struggling animals, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1143, making it the first time shed hunting has been regulated in the state.

SB 1143 established separate shed seasons for antelope, deer, elk and moose, allowing the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) the ability to regulate and seasonally restrict the possession, transportation and collection of shed antlers and horns to reduce the stress on big game animals still using winter ranges.

The statute doesn’t apply to private land.

Now, IDFG is calling on Idaho residents to share feedback on SB 1143 as well as the potential to invoke emergency shed gathering closures on as needed going forward based upon weather and other issues. The public comment period closed at 6 p.m. MT on Oct. 9, 2023.

Click here to fill out IDFG’s shed hunting survey