Wyo. Code R. 040-0001-61
Effective Date: 12/31/2009 to 03/28/2014
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 040.0001.61.12312009
Section 1. Authority. This regulation is promulgated by authority of W.S. §§23-1-103 and 23-1-302.
Section 2. Regulation. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission hereby adopts the following regulation governing the collection of shed antlers and horns of big game animals. This regulation shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the Commission.
Section 3. Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to minimize the harassment or disturbance of big game animals on their winter and spring ranges when animals are most vulnerable to physiological stress and displacement to less productive habitats.
Section 4. Definitions. For the purpose of this regulation, definitions shall be as set forth in Title 23, Wyoming Statutes and the Commission also adopts the following definitions:
(a) 'Antlers' mean the bony, deciduous appendages protruding from the heads of members of the deer family (Cervidae), including deer, elk or moose.
(b) 'Collect' means 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.
(c) 'Horns' mean the hard, permanent appendages protruding from the heads of bighorn sheep, mountain goats or pronghorn antelope.
(d) 'Public land' means federal lands and lands owned or administered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, excluding Grand Teton National Park, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and the National Elk Refuge.
(e) 'Shed antler' means an antler having become naturally separated from the skull.
Section 5. Collection of Shed Antlers or Horns. No person shall collect shed antlers or horns from big game animals on public land west of the Continental Divide, excluding the Great Divide Basin, from January 1 through April 30 of each calendar year.
Section 6. Exceptions. Department personnel and elk feeders under contract with the Department may take antlers on Department elk feedgrounds during the closed season dates specified in Section 5 only when the taking of such antlers is part of their official duties. All antlers taken by such personnel on Department elk feedgrounds are property of the Department and shall be disposed of in accordance with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission policy VIII, “DISPOSITION OF ELK ANTLERS”, dated December 7, 1999, and which does not include any later amendments or editions of the incorporated matter. This Commission policy can be viewed at Regional Offices and the Headquarters Office of the Department.
Section 7. Violation of Commission Regulations. Failure to abide by the provisions of this regulation shall be punishable as provided by Wyoming statutes for violation of Commission regulations.
Section 8. Savings Clause. If any provision of this regulation is held to be illegal or unconstitutional, such a ruling shall not affect other provisions of this regulation which can be given effect without the illegal or unconstitutional provision; and, to this end, the provisions of this regulation are severable.
By:
Clifford Kirk, President
Dated: November 19, 2009