With spring just around the corner, it's an exciting time for those who enjoy gathering the antlers and horns shed by big game animals each year.

As you're having fun searching for antlers and horns this spring, please remember that there are regulations you must follow regarding possessing such items.

Also, remember to give the big game animals you encounter plenty of space, and don't take off-highway vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Taking OHVs off of roads and trails can cause serious damage to the habitat that big game animals and other wildlife and fish rely on.

According to a recent report issued by Mark Hadley, of Utah's Divison of Wildlife Resources, shed hunters need to be aware of the rules.

New this year in Utah, there is a shed antler gathering season. This season applies to Northern Utah only.

You may not gather shed antlers in the DWR's Northern Region from Feb. 1 through April 30. This closure was put in place to prevent big game animals from being harassed during the time of year when they're in their poorest health because of the stress of a long winter.

In addition to the closure in the Northern Region, the Utah Wildlife Board has directed the Division of Wildlife Resources to study the effects antler gathering is having on big game animals across Utah. Board members want to learn if a shed antler gathering season should be implemented statewide.

According to Utah law, a person may possess antlers or horns from legally taken animals, as well as "shed" antlers and horns.

A shed antler or horn is one that has dropped from a big game animal (a moose, elk, deer or pronghorn antelope) as part of its life cycle.

Shed antlers have a rounded base, commonly called a button or burr. The horns shed by pronghorn antelope are a hollow sheath. (Pronghorn are the only big game animals that shed their horns.)

A deer sheds its antlers during February and March. Elk shed later than deer and at higher elevations.

Shed antlers and horns may be possessed at any time. There are no restrictions on their barter, trade or sale.

In contrast, antlers or horns that are attached to a skull plate must have been taken legally or purchased from someone who took the animal legally.

The person who buys antlers or horns attached to a skull plate must keep a transaction record. The record must include the name and address of the hunter the antlers or horns were purchased from, the hunter's permit number and the date of purchase or sale.

Antlers, horns and heads of legally taken animals may be purchased or sold only between Feb. 15 and July 31 annually.

After a long winter, the energy reserves that big game animals have are already low. Those reserves are taxed even more when antler gatherers enter the picture.

Careless shed antler and horn hunters can tip the delicate energy balance, and that can contribute to more big game animals dying this time of the year.

The worst threat to big game animals usually comes from irresponsible OHV use. Off-road travel is illegal and should not be practiced at any time, especially when gathering antlers.

The DWR has received reports of OHV riders chasing deer and elk through trees to knock off their antlers. This practice is extremely damaging and illegal. Anyone caught harassing wildlife will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

When you're collecting shed antlers and horns, please pay attention to the body language of the animals you see. If they appear to be nervous or begin to move away, give them more space by backing off or traveling in another direction.

Shed gathering can be a great family outing. Please remember the following as you gather shed antlers and horns this year:

Avoid picking up antlers that are attached to a skull plate. Instead, mark the area and contact your local DWR conservation officer.

Respect the space and needs of wintering big game. Give them lots of room.

Don't take OHVs off designated roads and trails. In addition to causing animals to flee, taking OHVs off-road can cause serious damage to the animals' habitat.

Good luck and have fun!

Dallas John can be reached at 344-2972 or at djohn@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C2.