Questions Related to Wildlife Health and Outdoor Ethics

Many species of ungulates (mule deer, elk, antelope, etc.) experience reduced body condition during winter months (i.e., January through April) due to colder temperatures, lack of high-quality forage, increased energy expenditures from moving through deep snow, and stress from fleeing natural predators. The presence of humans by hiking or driving vehicles near big game herds during winter increases energy expenditures even greater due to elevated stress levels and continual fleeing from these threats. Wildlife such as mule deer and elk may view humans in close proximity as a potential threat to their safety and move away from their normal foraging and resting areas, which can contribute to poor body condition. Shed-antler-collecting activities, such as hiking in areas of wintering herds or driving ATVs off road, may contribute to the increased stress on big game animals during winter and potentially lead to increased energy expenditures, poor body condition, and reduced survival of young born the following spring or summer.

Mule deer generally start shedding antlers in early January through late March, although some shedding activity may occur before or after those months. Elk generally begin shedding antlers in February or March, although some animals may cast antlers into late April. The primary driver of shedding antlers by mule deer and elk is thought to be primarily driven by low levels of testosterone following the breeding period (i.e., the rut).