Colorado Issues New Shed Hunting Restrictions in the Northwest

Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) says it is placing restrictions on shed hunting in the northwest corner of the state through mid-April.

Winter has been harsh in the area. The CPW placed temporary restrictions on shed hunting in western Moffat County. The idea is to ease pressure on wildlife in the area.

"This area is very popular with shed hunters, both locally and from Utah," says Bill de Vergie, area wildlife manager in Meeker. "However, we have received a lot of snow—including an additional 12-18 inches in late February—and conditions are very tough for big game right now.

"Because of the limited fat reserves these animals have in late winter, people moving and pressuring them would certainly lead to increased mortality if shed hunting was to continue unrestricted at this time."

The restriction began March 3 and will continue through April 15.

Collection or possession is prohibited on all public lands in Game Management Units 1, 2, 201, 10, 21, 11 and 3. This includes shed deer and elk antlers and pronghorn sheaths.

This new shed hunting restriction is in addition to others the CPW has put in place in the past.

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