This is an article from the daily hearld last year. It says that kids to 17 are covered under the parents gathering certificate. I remember reading it also in a DWR document but cant find the reference.
SPRINGVILLE-- Anyone wishing to gather shed antlers in Utah must complete an online course first at wildlife.utah.gov/shedantler. Late winter and early spring is the worst time of the year for elk, moose and especially deer in Utah.
In the winter, deep snow makes it hard for deer to move and find food. And cold temperatures sap the deers' strength. By the time winter ends, deer are usually the weakest they'll be all year. Winter is also the time of year when male deer, elk and moose shed their antlers. The animals will be without antlers until spring, when they'll start to grow a new set.
Gathering antlers that drop off of deer, elk and moose is a popular activity across the country, including here in Utah. The downside to shed-antler gathering is that it happens during the worst time of the year for the animals. And it takes place in the habitat the animals rely on in the winter.
"By the time winter ends, the animals are stressed," said Mike Fowlks, deputy director of the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). "Also, the habitat is wet and it's easily damaged. Once the habitat is damaged, it can take years for it to recover."
Fortunately, Fowlks said people can have fun gathering shed antlers without stressing the animals and damaging their habitat. "You can access a free course on our website that will show you how," he said.
Fowlks said people must complete DWRs Antler Gathering Ethics course if they want to gather shed antlers in Utah between Feb. 1 and April 15. The free course is available at
www.wildlife.utah.gov/shedantler.
After finishing the course, make sure to print the certificate of completion before heading outdoors to gather antlers. "And make sure you carry your certificate with you, By law, you must have your certificate with you while you're gathering shed antlers," Fowlks said.
If people have children who are 17 years of age or younger and they've completed the course, their children don't need to complete it, the adult's certificate will cover their kids too.
Fowlks said if someone completes the course, they can gather antlers across Utah. "Please remember, though, many of the state's wildlife management areas are closed in the winter and spring to protect wildlife," he said. If people wait until April 15 or later to gather antlers, they don't need to complete the course.
For more information, call the nearest DWR office or the Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.
