The National Elk Refuge run by USFWS is closed to shed hunting year-round except for one day when the Scouts are allowed to collect for a fundraiser. Grand Teton NP has no shed hunting (same with Yellowstone). Lots of other wintering elk and deer around Northwest Wyoming, most of the winter ranges are closed seasonally to protect wintering wildlife and open May 1 for shed hunting.
Wyoming’s shed antler law has been in effect since 2009 and prohibits the collection of shed antlers and horns from January 1 through April 30 on public lands west of the Continental Divide, excluding the Great Divide Basin. According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulation, “collection” is defined as: to search for, locate, stockpile, or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land or attempt to search for, locate, stockpile, or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land. The purpose of the seasonal closure is to minimize harassment or disturbance of big game animals on their winter and spring ranges when animals are most vulnerable to stress and displacement to less productive habitats. Colorado and Utah have similar regulations.
