It's legal to keep any antlers that are shed by deer and moose, according to Terry Hunter, an investigator for the Maine Warden Service, but if someone finds antlers still attached to a skull, they should leave them in place and report the location to the local game warden. An investigation is necessary, because it's possible the animal was killed illegally, he said. If not, the finder can get a permit to keep the skull and antlers. That's a real sought after trait. A lot of points, points coming out down by where the antler hooks to the head of the deer, that's a sought-after trait.
Carvers also turn less striking specimens into knife handles, chandeliers and even fire-iron sets.
Chandeliers are probably the most popular item, one that now can be found all over the Internet, Proudlove said. He's made one himself from 26 antlers. They line up real nice. They're real big ones. Another reason to hunt sheds is the chance for recognition.