No License, No Antlers. Idaho’s Shed Hunting Rule Hits Nonresidents With Big Fees

Shed hunting in Idaho has become more expensive for nonresidents. A rule change last year means any out-of-stater without an Idaho big game hunting license is no longer allowed to gather antlers on public land. This rule went into effect on July 1, 2024, meaning this is effectively the first full shed season that will be impacted.

What’s the current cost of a nonresident big game hunting license? $185.

Idaho’s Nonresident Shed Hunting Rule

The Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) announced that nonresidents must hold a valid Idaho big game hunting license in order to legally collect naturally shed antlers. The restriction applies to all public lands statewide and is intended to reduce increasing pressure on wintering wildlife.

According to the new rule, “A nonresident collecting, possessing, or transporting antlers or horns shed from deer, elk, moose, or pronghorn in this state shall be required to first procure a license entitling the nonresident to hunt big game.” 

Nonresidents under the age of 12 are exempt from this license requirement as long as they are accompanied in the field by a resident or a nonresident who holds a valid Idaho big game hunting license.

Residents are not subject to this requirement.

If you are coming from out of state with plans to collect sheds in Idaho’s backcountry, you must provide proof of Idaho residency or purchase a hunting license.

Why the Change?

For years, nonresident shed hunters have traveled to Idaho’s wintering grounds in search of valuable elk and deer antlers. The problem is that shed hunters who search too early in the season can disturb already vulnerable wildlife that are struggling to survive the winter.

Though there are several other outdoor activities in the late spring and early winter that have the potential to disturb wildlife, shed hunting is a wildlife-focused activity. So, the state sees regulating it as a viable solution to limiting the disturbance. IDFG also recommends that other activities be limited during that time period but has not gone so far as to regulate them.

It is true that any human activity on the landscape that disturbs wintering big game can be an issue, especially in the late winter and spring when an animal’s fat reserves are depleting.  That’s why Idaho Fish and Game always encourages every outdoor recreationist to reduce wildlife disturbance by giving animals their space.

— IDFG

Get That License

If you are a nonresident hoping to comb Idaho’s backcountry for a trophy shed this spring, be ready to pony up or stay home. This is also a growing trend in Western states. Make sure you’re checking current regulations before you cross a border in the search for brown gold.