BLM reminds antler hunters to reduce impacts to big game
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CRAIG, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office in Craig is reminding people planning to collect shed antlers in Northwest Colorado this year to avoid disturbing big game animals currently facing the stress of a hard winter.
Mule deer and elk are especially vulnerable to disturbance this year given the heavy snowfall that has made it particularly hard for them to forage. Repeated disturbance causes them to expend more energy and burn through their winter reserves faster.
Many areas west of Craig provide key winter range for both mule deer and elk. They are also popular areas for shed-antler hunting in late winter/early spring, one of the few recreational activities that bring people into these sensitive areas at this sensitive time.
“Spring green-up is still months away,” said BLM Little Snake Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “Please avoid getting close enough to disturb deer and elk, and keep motorized vehicles on legal roads. Most people responsibly search for antlers on foot or horseback, but the few people that illegally leave roads on ATVs or other motorized vehicles cause tremendous wildlife disturbance and resource damage every spring.”
It is illegal to travel cross country or off existing roads in a motor vehicle including, ATVs and UTVs, while collecting antlers on BLM lands in the Little Snake Field Office. Off-road driving can cause significant damage anytime, but moist spring soils are especially susceptible. The resulting damage can cause erosion and serious impacts to important wildlife habitat.
BLM rangers will be patrolling popular shed hunting areas this spring to ensure compliance with existing travel management rules and wildlife protection rules.
A citation for riding an ATV off existing roads or in a closed area can result in fines of $250. Harassing wildlife may result in a $200 fine.
Northwest Colorado continues to grow in antler hunting popularity and is well known for its quality big game resources. Shed hunters come from throughout the region, including Utah and Wyoming, to look for shed antlers on BLM lands in northern Colorado every spring.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.