Can I Keep a Shed Antler If Found It in the Woods?

August 28, 2008

Question:Can I pick up and keep a shed antler if I find one in the woods?

Answer: There’s no crime here, although it is frowned upon by many biologists

Is that why? Very curious why they frown upon it.

I'm guessing they don't like it due to the fact small rodents/vermin gnaw or chew on the shed for calcium and other minerals?

This.

Hmmm i found a pair the other week and mounted it on my car for fun lol

Frowned upon? Vertebrates have a mortality rate. There will always be a bone somewhere that a ground squirrel can gnaw for calcium. Generally, if it's my stomping grounds, it's the squirrels own cousins' bones he's gnawing! I can shed hunt where I eradicate squirrels and I'll find old ass, sun-bleached racks that have laid there on a squirrel hole riddled hilltop for years and show no signs of any rodent molestation. I call BS.

what if antlers are still attached to the skull?
 found  a huge one last year on the back 40

also rafting down the green river, Utah, found 6 ft elk antlers on a dead elk in the water...illegal to possess?

You are fine unless you are in a park, then no. Biologists frown on it? I frown at most biologists! I swear California has to be, never mind, carry on.

what if antlers are still attached to the skull?
 found  a huge one last year on the back 40

also rafting down the green river, Utah, found 6 ft elk antlers on a dead elk in the water...illegal to possess?

The Utah antlers were illegal. The law states antlers must be shed to collect them (Utah State law). If you took illegal wildlife parts across state lines, you also violated the Lacey Act (Federal crime). You asked.

I swear California has to be, never mind, carry on.

That's a pretty safe default position.

http://californiaoutdoorsqas.com/2012/05/24/collecting-antlers-from-carcasses/

Question:I was hiking on public land and came across a dead elk carcass that had been there a while and still had a huge rack attached to the skull. I know it’s legal to pick up shed antlers, but what about if they are still attached to the skull of an old elk carcass? Would it be legal for me to take the antlers? (Matt, Hollister)

Answer:  There is no provision in the Fish and Game Code prohibiting someone from picking up a set of antlers attached to a skull and carcass found on public land. However, this would likely appear suspicious to a game warden. Anyone who chooses to do so should be aware that pursuant to Fish and Game Code, section 2000, possession of any part of a fish or mammal in or on the fields, forests or waters of this state while returning therefrom with fishing or hunting equipment is prima facie evidence the possessor took that fish or mammal.

Please note that there are exceptions for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuges and National Parks though. On these lands it is illegal to collect antlers or to take any animal or it’s parts unless they are taken legally while hunting or with a special use permit.

There’s no crime here, although it is frowned upon by many biologists

Would love to see them cite said biologists.

A quick Google search leads me to believe the contentious part of shed gathering is either disturbing animals on their winter ground, or illegally gathering in private or close areas.

-Allen