Selling Hides, Mounts and Antlers

October 21, 2010

Question: While on vacations my wife and I enjoy shopping at flea markets, antique fairs and antique stores throughout the state and I am amazed at the amount of wild game mounts, hides and antlers that are for sale. It is my understanding that selling any part of an animal that can be legally taken in California is against the law. What’s the deal? (T. K., Rancho Murieta)

Answer: You are correct, with the exception of antlers and hides. Antlers must be cut into blocks before selling. Whole antlers may not be sold. You can’t pick up shed antlers to sell unless you cut them up first. The only other exception is for taxidermists who prepare mounts for clients who never return to retrieve and pay for them. In this case the taxidermist may sell the mount only for the amount required to recoup their hard costs of preparation.