Collecting Shed Antlers

"Members of the deer family--white tail, mule deer, moose and elk--shed their antlers late each winter and grow new antlers beginning the next spring. The antlers naturally fall from the animal.

Collecting shed antlers requires some of the same skills and knowledge hunter's use. Shed antlers will be found in the areas of winter habitat. Look for them around trees and brush where the animal might have rubbed as well as along trails used by the deer and their feeding grounds. In farm country, look for shed antlers at points where deer jump across a fence. The shed antler hunter will need to get out and walk, paying close attention to the ground.

There are also ethical concerns for shed hunters. Wildlife is often stressed during the winter season. Intruding on their feeding area may drive them away and contribute to the difficulties the animal faces in surviving the winter.

Shed hunters also need to respect landowners and not trespass on private property."


This is an excerpt of an american website.
I just thought about it and how it is in other countries.
In Germany it is forbidden to collect them without permit from the "Jagdpächter" or owner of a "Eigenjadgbezirk".
Though it is not a felony people who do it could be fined up to 5000 Eur.
But it is done and not thought to be criminal by the people. Just an example of jurisdiction.
You may not be fined if you do it if you are somehow mad anyway.
Which means if you cannot see that it is unlawful what you are doing.