Shed season in Colorado offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to discover antlers naturally dropped by the state’s iconic wildlife. This activity, known as shed hunting, involves searching for antlers from various deer species. It provides an opportunity to explore Colorado’s diverse landscapes and observe the natural cycles of its big game animals.
The Biology of Antler Shedding
Antlers are bone structures that grow from the skulls of male deer, elk, and moose. Unlike horns, which are permanent and grow continuously, antlers are shed and regrown each year. This annual cycle is regulated by hormonal changes, specifically a decrease in testosterone. As testosterone drops, a specialized layer of tissue, called the abscission layer, forms between the antler and the skull’s pedicle, weakening the connection and causing the antler to detach. New antler growth begins shortly after shedding and continues throughout spring and summer, covered in a soft tissue known as velvet.
Key Dates for Shed Season in Colorado
The shedding period for antlers in Colorado varies by species and environmental factors. Moose shed their antlers from November through January. Deer, including mule deer and white-tailed deer, drop their antlers from mid-January through March. Elk shed their antlers later in the season, from February through April. The precise timing can also be influenced by an animal’s age, overall condition, and the severity of winter; harsher conditions and poorer health can lead to earlier shedding.
Colorado’s Specific Shed Hunting Regulations
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) implements regulations to protect wintering big game animals during their vulnerable winter period. A statewide prohibition on collecting shed antlers exists on all public lands west of Interstate 25 from January 1 through April 30. This prevents stressing animals when food is scarce and energy reserves are low. Collection on these public lands is permitted from May 1 through December 31.
Specific Area Restrictions
Game Management Units (GMUs) in the Gunnison Basin (units 54, 55, 66, 67, 551) have additional time-of-day restrictions. In these areas, antler collection on public lands is prohibited between legal sunset and 10 a.m. from May 1 through May 15. These localized regulations help protect sensitive species like the Gunnison sage-grouse.
Permits and Penalties
No specific shed hunting permit is universally required, but a valid hunting or fishing license may be necessary for state land access. Violations of these regulations can result in a $137 fine and five license suspension points and additional fines for illegally possessing collected antlers. Harassing wildlife is illegal and carries separate penalties.
Private Land and East of I-25
On private lands, antler collection is permissible at any time, but obtaining permission from the landowner is required. Lands east of I-25 do not have the same seasonal restrictions.
Optimizing Your Shed Hunting Success
Finding shed antlers requires patience and a strategic approach, focusing on areas where animals spend winter months. South-facing slopes are good starting points, as they receive more sunlight for less snow and more accessible forage. Search key areas like feeding grounds, bedding sites, and connecting travel corridors. Animals frequently shed antlers where they jump over fences or navigate through dense brush, which can dislodge antlers. Drainages and areas near water sources are productive locations.
Ethical conduct is important when shed hunting. Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially during late winter and early spring when animals are vulnerable. Maintain respectful distance and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to minimize human impact on habitats. Safety in the Colorado backcountry is important; prepare for changing weather, rugged terrain, and carry adequate supplies like water. Training one’s eye to spot sheds, which blend seamlessly into the natural environment, improves success over time.