Utah: Ethics Course Required For Shed Hunting

[JimP]

Anyone want to provide some proof that shed hunting has killed a single deer or elk?

Cant shed hunt on winter range, but what can we do?

Hunt predators, run lion hounds, hunt wolves, hike, bike, snowmobile, fish, ride ATV's, bird watch, photograph, cross country ski, hunt small game, bird hunt, hike, snow shoe, walk dogs off leash, hunt elk, recreational/target shooting, spring bear hunting, turkey hunting, shoot prairie dogs/ground squirrels, etc. etc. etc.

So ridiculous, some areas in WY with shed closures, you can shoot a cow elk in the month of January, but if it falls on a shed antler when it dies, you can't pick up that antler! Wouldn't want to disturb those elk you just shot at by picking up a shed.

Good thing we're keeping shed hunters out of the woods and off winter range, wouldn't want to disturb any wildlife out there in the winter/spring...

They don't kill them per say but they do cause undue stress on the does and cows possibly leading to them aborting the fetuses. Also if they are stressed enough they may just go off somewhere and die.

There is no proof one way or the other, just speculation..

 

[kidoggy]

no proof. just speculation. lol. sounds like a conspiracy theory!

 

[kidoggy]

My problem is that the commercial shed hunters are really cleaning up .....financially and literally the sheds. I don't usually go shed hunting for them specifically. I usually find sheds when I am doing something else, like spring turkey hunting, hiking and scouting in the summer and hunting in the fall. The areas I used to find sheds are now pretty clean of sheds.

I guess I am one of the few people left who think those who work and apply themselves deserve to make a profit.

I am not of the " evil capitalist" mindset. it saddens me that so many are.

it never ceases to amaze me how many are so eager to flush their freedoms away.
to do it because they are jealous of another just seems extra foolish to me.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

I guess I am one of the few people left who think those who work and apply themselves deserve to make a profit.

I am not of the " evil capitalist" mindset. it saddens me that so many are.

it never ceases to amaze me how many are so eager to flush their freedoms away.
to do it because they are jealous of another just seems extra foolish to me.

if you want to draw comparisons to capitalism, then I’ll go one step further and say these commercial shed hunters are like the market hunters of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. How’d that work out? Sure, they worked hard and made a few bucks, and put some meat on the tables of fancy restaurants, but was it worth the long term cost? They’re stealing the intrinsic value of shed hunting for a cheap, personal gain.

 

[BuzzH]

if you want to draw comparisons to capitalism, then I’ll go one step further and say these commercial shed hunters are like the market hunters of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. How’d that work out? Sure, they worked hard and made a few bucks, and put some meat on the tables of fancy restaurants, but was it worth the long term cost? They’re stealing the intrinsic value of shed hunting for a cheap, personal gain.

That's a stretch.

If the reason for shed seasons is to protect big-game from disturbance, then close the entire winter range to all human activity. Don't be singling out one, while letting a plethora of other activities take place.

But, guess what, there would probably be a lot more push back if country skiers, snowmobilers, etc. etc. weren't allowed to use those same areas, that are causing the exact same, if not more disturbance than a person picking up sheds.

Seems other user groups are simply not willing to give up a thing to help the animals they claim to care about...per usual.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

That's a stretch.

If the reason for shed seasons is to protect big-game from disturbance, then close the entire winter range to all human activity. Don't be singling out one, while letting a plethora of other activities take place.

But, guess what, there would probably be a lot more push back if country skiers, snowmobilers, etc. etc. weren't allowed to use those same areas, that are causing the exact same, if not more disturbance than a person picking up sheds.

Seems other user groups are simply not willing to give up a thing to help the animals they claim to care about...per usual.

Yes, it’s a stretch, that’s the point. Just like it’s a stretch for kidoggy to assume that it’s anti-capitalism to want to protect our wintering herds. I’m sure there’s plenty of pricks on snowmobiles who have chased a few critters, but let’s be realistic. Which segment of the outdoors crowd is more likely to get in on wintering herds and push them around? Shed hunters, because that’s the best place to find sheds

 

[BuzzH]

Yes, it’s a stretch, that’s the point. Just like it’s a stretch for kidoggy to assume that it’s anti-capitalism to want to protect our wintering herds. I’m sure there’s plenty of pricks on snowmobiles who have chased a few critters, but let’s be realistic. Which segment of the outdoors crowd is more likely to get in on wintering herds and push them around? Shed hunters, because that’s the best place to find sheds

Lion hunters, wolf hunters, coyote hunters are just as likely if not more so.

Cross country skiers and prairie dog hunters access the lowest/best areas early which is right where elk and deer winter.

But what do I know, I only live here...

 

[JimP]

Lion hunters, wolf hunters, coyote hunters are just as likely if not more so.

Cross country skiers and prairie dog hunters access the lowest/best areas early which is right where elk and deer winter.

But what do I know, I only live here...

And how many of them will chase a buck or bull hoping that the antlers will drop off?

 

[BuzzH]

And how many of them will chase a buck or bull hoping that the antlers will drop off?

How many shed hunters do that? Go find a case of it and I'll believe it. I'll not hold my breath.

If they do, there's already laws on the books regarding wildlife harassment that they will be prosecuted for, which are much more heavy in fines than picking up a shed.

Why the need for more laws when there's already enough to nail anyone that harasses wildlife?

Like I said, I'm fine with complete closures, but not fine with selective activities when there are many more that are as much, if not more so apt to disturb wildlife on winter range.

 

[JimP]

I know of one that was prosecuted here in Colorado, I reported them and told the officers that I would testify.

I have also seen it reported every year, I don't follow them because I am not involved in them.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

And how many of them will chase a buck or bull hoping that the antlers will drop off?

Exactly, other outdoor activities might bring people into relatively close contact with wild animals, but shed hunters will go right into the herd. This is common sense, but I guess that’s tougher for some to comprehend

 

[kidoggy]

Exactly, other outdoor activities might bring people into relatively close contact with wild animals, but shed hunters will go right into the herd. This is common sense, but I guess that’s tougher for some to comprehend

so do the others. anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

how about the idiot pet owners walking their dogs?
I have seen many dogs run off chasing game.

buzz has it spot on. if you're going to penalize one group for the actions of a few, why not go after them all?

it is my belief that we already have way more laws on the books to take care of this nonsense, no need to add more.

 

[kidoggy]

Yes, it’s a stretch, that’s the point. Just like it’s a stretch for kidoggy to assume that it’s anti-capitalism to want to protect our wintering herds. I’m sure there’s plenty of pricks on snowmobiles who have chased a few critters, but let’s be realistic. Which segment of the outdoors crowd is more likely to get in on wintering herds and push them around? Shed hunters, because that’s the best place to find sheds

lol. I believe you may have missed the point of my post.

no big deal . that is the type of world we live in.

 

[Maxhunter]

When I lived in Utah they were crazy about shed hunting. Wyoming had to shut down the western part of the state because Utah folks would chase animals to get there sheds if on winter ranges. They’d use snow mobiles.

Maybe I’m old school and I don’t see the big deal in shed hunting. I find sheds when I’m hunting but don’t waste my time looking for them in the winter or spring months.

I know people make money selling them. All the young folks where I live now start talking about it at the end of January.

 

[BuzzH]

Exactly, other outdoor activities might bring people into relatively close contact with wild animals, but shed hunters will go right into the herd. This is common sense, but I guess that’s tougher for some to comprehend

Where do you suspect lion hunters run their hounds?

Where do you suspect lions spend a bunch of their time in the winter?

This is common sense, but I guess that's tougher for some to comprehend.

Like I've said, I have no problem with shutting important winter ranges down to all human disturbance, its the selective nature of shed hunting as if its thats the only thing disturbing wintering elk and deer.

Its simply not.

 

[Winchester]

So kidoggy says: "... anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool."
and
Buzz says: "This is common sense, but I guest that's tougher for some to comprehend."

You two sure make it hard to have a civil discussion and enjoy this Forum.

 

[BuzzH]

So kidoggy says: "... anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool."
and
Buzz says: "This is common sense, but I guest that's tougher for some to comprehend."

You two sure make it hard to have a civil discussion and enjoy this Forum.

Selective outrage and confirmation bias combined with shooting the messenger is what your problem is.

Huh, no comment on this...guess it matter who delivers the message? Yes?

Exactly, other outdoor activities might bring people into relatively close contact with wild animals, but shed hunters will go right into the herd. This is common sense, but I guess that’s tougher for some to comprehend

 

[Winchester]

Oh Buzz,
You're very predictable ... more insults and arguing. It's how you respond to everyone, every time.
If you could learn how to make your point without being a condescending jerk all the time maybe folks would listen to what you have to say.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

Where do you suspect lion hunters run their hounds?

Where do you suspect lions spend a bunch of their time in the winter?

This is common sense, but I guess that's tougher for some to comprehend.

Like I've said, I have no problem with shutting important winter ranges down to all human disturbance, its the selective nature of shed hunting as if its thats the only thing disturbing wintering elk and deer.

Its simply not.

Perhaps lion hunters get a pass because, unlike shed hunting, killing lions is actually good for the deer and elk.

 

[JimP]

Those that I know that chase lions with dogs train their dogs to leave other animals along and just go after the lions. The deer may run off some if they pass through a bunch but they are not chased.