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In Jackson, Wyoming, the first day of May arrived with a frosty, partly cloudy morning, setting the stage for Brady Rivenes' hopeful quest to find a significant stack of elk antlers in the snow-speckled national forest, just a 20-minute drive from his spot in a black pickup truck.
Rivenes was among the 367 vehicles registered to line up at the Teton County Fairgrounds the morning before, marking the start of one of the most popular events in the American West: the annual Jackson “shed hunt.” This event involves an intense search for the antlers that bull elk shed every spring after using them in autumn battles for mates. Some shed hunters collect antlers as trophies, while others repurpose them into various items or sell them as dog chews, with the largest antlers being the most sought after.
While Rivenes, a 24-year-old environmental engineer from Gillette, traveled with his family and friends to participate in the hunt, he carried minimal equipment—a camo-patterned backpack and binoculars. Others came prepared with telescopes, horses, fat-tire bikes, and tracking dogs. The vehicles were escorted by law enforcement through the National Elk Refuge, where shed hunting is prohibited, to Bridger-Teton National Forest, where the season officially began at 6 a.m. on May 1st.
This year, all vehicles in the procession had Wyoming plates, reflecting a new rule enacted in 2023 that restricted the first week of shed-hunt season in certain areas to residents only. The change was spearheaded by State Rep. Ryan Berger (R), a special education teacher, to give seniors and people with disabilities a better chance and to address past issues like wildlife harassment, fistfights, and felony charges that had marred previous hunts.
The growing interest in shed hunting has led to concerns about unethical practices, such as using drones to locate antlers, disturbing wildlife with snowmobiles or dogs, or collecting antlers out of season. In response, Western states have implemented restrictions, including winter bans and mandatory conservation stamps.
Despite these challenges, shed hunting remains a popular and enjoyable activity for many, including Weston McArthur, a Utah resident who turned his shed-hunting passion into a full-time job as an influencer. However, he and others feel that restricting access to federal lands unfairly impacts honest participants.
For Rivenes, Wyoming's new rule has increased his chances of finding antlers, but he also acknowledges the need for regulations due to the negative impact of the antler market on the sport. This year's hunt was less social and energetic due to the reduced number of vehicles, but Rivenes still found the experience exhilarating, likening it to an adult Easter egg hunt.
As the day progressed, hunters like Brian Prosser, an electrician, and Kayden Romrell, a welder, searched the hills for antlers, each with their own strategies and goals. Despite the lower number of hunters and antlers compared to previous years, the thrill of the hunt remained strong for participants like Rivenes, who ended the day with a modest haul of four antlers, ready to return for another hunt next year.