Shed antler collecting in Washington
By: The Washington Department Of Fish
Tags: Wildlife, Public Lands, Elk, Outdoors, Shed Hunting

Shed antler collecting in Washington

Large male elk, also known as bulls, have started to shed their antlers as spring arrives, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) asks shed hunters to avoid disturbing elk and collect antlers responsibly.

Washington State is home to two subspecies of elk: Roosevelt elk and Rocky Mountain elk.

Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) are found in the coastal ranges of the Olympic peninsula and the western slopes of the Cascade Range. Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) are primarily found in mountain ranges and the shrubsteppe of Eastern Washington.

Rocky Mountain elk are primarily found in mountain ranges and the shrubsteppe of Eastern Washington.

The antlers of a bull elk grow during the spring and summer under a skin covering known as velvet. In the late summer, the velvet dries and falls off, revealing fully grown antlers. Bulls carry these fully grown antlers through the elk rutting season and shed them between late February and early May.

Regulations for shed collecting

Permits: In Washington, there are no seasons or permits required to collect shed antlers. However, shed hunters must follow state regulations for land use, such as searching for sheds on public lands or private land with permission. People should also always follow posted closure signs.

Parking: A Discover Pass is required on state lands managed by WDFW, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and State Parks. Vehicle Access Passes are valid only on WDFW-managed lands and are issued at no charge with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license.

COVID-19 Precautions: WDFW encourages people to #RecreateResponsibly to protect yourself, others, and the outdoors. Review the guidelines before heading out on your outdoor adventure.

How to be a good steward

To limit impacts to wildlife, it is important for shed hunters to:

1. Stay on designated trails and roads while using motorized vehicles.

During the late winter and early spring, the ground is often saturated with water. These wet conditions can lead to habitat damage if people drive motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails. If you see a shed antler off the side of a road or trail, dismount and retrieve it on foot to minimize wildlife disturbance and habitat damage.

With wet ground conditions, it is especially important for people to stay on designated trails and avoid driving on soft roads to protect wildlife habitat.

Green Dot roads, cooperatively managed by DNR, private landowners, and WDFW, provide access to Washington’s backcountry while also protecting sensitive wildlife habitat. Please respect others and avoid driving on soft, wet roads as they are easily torn up by vehicles.

Green Dot maps are available for four wildlife areas in central Washington — the Colockum, L.T. Murray, Oak Creek, and Wenas. Visit WDFW’s website to learn how to use Green Dot maps.

2. Observe from a distance.

Scan your search area using a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope to avoid disturbing wildlife.

3. Give wildlife plenty of space.

To ensure healthy elk populations, never chase after elk or send dogs after them. Elk are especially vulnerable during their winter recovery period and forcing them to use energy is harmful to their survival. Instead, watch from a distance and pick up sheds once elk have left the area.

Elk antlers can shed through a variety of ways — while sparring with other elk, rubbing against trees, or even walking. Letting elk shed their antlers naturally ensures that elk populations can stay healthy for future seasons.