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White Pine CAB opposes proposed shed-antler restrictions, recommends limited closures in harsh winters
Summary
Board members argued the proposed shed-antler revision (12 demerit penalty) is excessive and unclear on transport and possession rules; the CAB voted to oppose and recommended temporary closures only during severe winter conditions with biologist discretion.
The board debated proposed changes to Commission General Regulation 531 governing shed antler collection and voted to oppose the revision, recommending instead temporary season closures only during harsh winters as determined by department biologists.
Game Warden Nick Brancato and Board members discussed ambiguity in the regulation's definition of "in the field" and noted that under current interpretation shed antlers may be legal only at a person's primary residence outside the season. Brancato warned that transporting antlers on public roads outside the season could carry up to 12 demerit points and potential license revocation, a penalty several members described as disproportionate compared with other offenses. Thomas Brunson and Ray Sawyer argued that enforcement and penalty structure had become overly severe and recommended biologist-driven temporary closures rather than a broad seasonal prohibition.
The board carried a motion to oppose the proposed revision and instead recommended implementing shed-hunting closures only during harsh winters or severe weather events, with NDOW biologists determining when closures should apply.
