Antler Collecting Prohibition To Protect Wintering Wildlife Begins January 1, 2002

IDAHO FALLS - Nearly non-stop snowfall has helped to build snow packs that will hopefully pull the region out of the last few years of drought conditions. Irrigators and anglers are happy about the moisture, but wildlife managers know that you can get too much of a good thing. Heavy snow packs could have a negative impact on deer, elk and antelope in certain areas. How animals weather the winter depends greatly upon the amount of disturbance they receive from humans. January 1, 2002 once again marks the start of special restrictions to limit antler gathering activities to help protect wildlife. The problem is really not about antler gathering, but more so the unscrupulous individuals who might harass wildlife in the process of attempting to collect antlers that have been shed. The lure of making a few dollars has resulted in an increasing number of humans venturing out in search of "sheds." These collectors go into areas where animals are wintering and in doing so place stress on the animals. Herds are forced to expend valuable stored energy reserves when chased through the deep snow. To help reduce the likelihood of such negative impacts, a number of years ago the Idaho Fish & Game Commission passed a regulation that closed down portions of the region to shed antler pick up during certain portions of the year. In the Upper Snake Region antler gathering is prohibited in units 60, 60A, 66, 67, and 69 from Jan. 1 - April 30. This regulation pertains to antlers found on both public and private ground. While certain areas may still remain open for both on and off road travel during this period, it is important that vehicle operators leave wildlife plenty of distance. In addition to restrictions regarding the collection of shed antlers, January 1, also marks start of the Egin-Hamer Area Closure. This closure prohibits all human activities in the general area around the Egin-Hamer Road until later in the spring. Maps and closure details are available free at the BLM & IDFG offices in Idaho Falls, as well as the Fremont and Jefferson County Sheriffs Offices.