News – Sheridan Media
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The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is celebrating spring by alerting shed and horn hunters the season has kicked off for antler enthusiasts. But before venturing out, the Department is recommending shed hunters be sure to know which lands are open. Many sections of public lands, state lands and wildlife habitat management areas in western and southern Wyoming remain closed to shed antler and horn collection.
Collection Area 1 closure
A Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulation prohibits anyone from collecting shed antlers or horns in Collection Area 1 on public land, such as U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands, state lands and Wyoming Game and Fish Commission-owned or administered lands west of the Continental Divide, including the Great Divide Basin and some land west of Laramie, from Jan. 1-6 a.m. May 1 each year for residents and Jan. 1-6 a.m. May 8 for nonresidents. Additionally, a conservation stamp is required for all nonresidents 15 years of age and older to collect shed antlers or horns in Collection Area 1. A map of the closure area is available online and the boundaries are detailed within the regulation.
WHMA closures
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has 44 wildlife habitat management areas that provide crucial habitat for big game winter ranges. The areas listed below remain closed until their listed opening date to minimize disturbance to wintering big game animals and other wildlife and protect the habitat from resource damage. Several WHMAs open May 1.
In the Sheridan Region, Amsden Creek is closed to vehicles Nov. 1 – May 14. Closed to all human presence Nov. 16 – May 14 and open to foot and horse traffic Nov. 1-15.
Kerns is closed to human presence Nov. 16 – May 31. Closed to vehicles. Open to foot/horse traffic Nov. 1-15.
To find information regarding other regions in the Cowboy State, click here.
The Game and Fish Department reminds the public that it is illegal to enter any person’s private property to collect antlers or horns without the permission of the property owner or the person in charge of the property, regardless of the time of year.
The head or skull with antlers and horns attached to a big game animal cannot be removed without prior approval from a Game and Fish law enforcement officer. If approval is granted, the purchase of a Wyoming Interstate Game Tag is required for any antlers or horns attached to a head or skull plate of a big game animal.
Collect means to search for, locate, stockpile or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land during the closed season. A violation of this regulation carries the same penalties as many other Game and Fish violations.
To report shed antler or horn collection violations call the STOP Poaching Hotline at 1-877-943-3847 (1-877-WGFD-TIP) or text the keyword WGFD to TIP411 (847-411). Violations may also be reported online at the Game and Fish website.
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Last modified: April 5, 2025