Oregon officials are asking shed antler hunters to follow six guidelines this winter and spring minimize stress to big game.
Many hunters and their families use late winter and early spring to search for the antlers shed by deer and elk. Buck deer usually shed their antlers from late December through March, while bull elk from late February through early April.
Oregon’s six suggestions include:
o Don’t approach animals or follow the same ones on a daily basis.
o Respect road and area closures, most of which are in place to protect wintering big game.
o Don’t take vehicles off established roads. The ground can be waterlogged and off-road travel can damage habitat. Travel by foot or horse instead.