16 Individuals Cited in Violation of Statewide Shed Hunting Ban
OutdoorHub Reporters 02.22.17
If you’re tempted to break Utah’s shed hunting ban, you’re going to want to read this first.
The Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers have put this ban at the top of their priority list. Since the statewide ban was issued, officers have reportedly spent more than 500 hours watching game areas where big game animals hang around during the winter.
According to a recent tweet, the Utah DWR has cited 16 people in violation of the closure. DWR Captain Mitch Lane says several of the individuals were cited for illegal take of protected wildlife – obviously in this case, antlers and horns were the subject under scrutiny.
“They knew the shed antler gathering season was closed, but they couldn’t resist the temptation.” Citations issued: https://t.co/Dit6a54RUk pic.twitter.com/tTqfLqRhJP
— Utah DWR (@UtahDWR) February 16, 2017
“Our officers cited these individuals after watching them look for and then pick up antlers,” Lane said. “Or, we caught them with antlers in their possession.”
The bottom line: Officers are out there on the mountains watching for people to violate the rule. If you find yourself in one of these areas officials are watching, chances are you’ll be met by a conservation officer.
Unlawful take of protected wildlife is a class B misdemeanor. Violators will face fines as high as $1,000. The statewide ban is set to last until April 1.
