Shed antlers / Montana

Shed antlers: Gardiner

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The 7-day forecast, hourly plan and an alert for this place are in pre-sale.

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Where to look

Search Custer Gallatin National Forest land above the valley, on south-facing slopes and ridges. Check that you are outside the park, because the boundary runs right next to town.

Species

elk (wapiti), mule deer, moose

Season: Elk shed from March to April. On federal land without closures search in April and May, and on WMAs from May 15.

Terrain: Custer Gallatin National Forest: dry slopes, sagebrush, conifer forest

Rules and closures

Removing antlers is banned in Yellowstone (36 CFR 2.1). Montana Wildlife Management Areas, such as Dome Mountain, are closed from December 2 until noon on May 15. Some federal land has its own winter closures, so check with Montana FWP and the Forest Service.

About the area

Gardiner sits at the north entrance to Yellowstone. Elk from the park winter in the Yellowstone River valley, including outside the park. It is a classic shed area in Montana.

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