Jackson, Wyoming — Brady Rivenes sat in his black pickup, anticipating a successful day hunting elk antlers in the nearby snow-flecked national forest.
The annual Jackson "shed hunt" was about to begin, marked by a procession of 367 registered vehicles that had gathered at the Teton County Fairgrounds.
This event, popular in the American West, attracted shed hunters from various places, all eager to collect antlers for decorative mounts, light fixtures, or dog chews, with prices for the largest antlers reaching upwards of $16 per pound.
Equipped with a camo-patterned backpack and binoculars, Rivenes joined the early morning motorcade led by law enforcement to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where shed hunting is permitted starting May 1st.
The growing interest in shed hunting has led Wyoming to restrict the first week of the season to residents only, a change sponsored by State Rep. Ryan Berger to address wildlife harassment and other issues.
The surge in shed hunting has prompted concerns about unethical practices, such as using drones to locate antlers or collecting them out of season.
To address these concerns, officials in several states have implemented regulations, including winter bans and conservation stamps.
Despite the regulations, shed hunting remains a popular and exhilarating activity for many. For Rivenes, the hunt is about the thrill of competition and the joy of being outdoors. While this year's hunt was less crowded and social, he still enjoyed the experience and looked forward to returning next year.