Rangers at Wind Cave National Park took possession of elk antlers and skulls that three Minnesota residents had illegally collected in the park. NPS photo.
Elk antlers wind up in art, are ground into perceived aphrodisiacs, and grace fireplaces. But they're also illegal to collect in national parks, as three Minnesotans found out when they were busted recently at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.
Each spring, elk antlers, some weighing as much as 25 pounds, drop off the elk in preparation of growing a new set. Poachers illegally sell the antlers for use in western decorations and in furniture such as chairs and chandeliers.
“Every year we cite people for antler collecting and this spring has been no different,” said Acting Chief Ranger Mike Wilson. On March 17-18 “three people from Minnesota were apprehended after they attempted to take numerous rocks, skulls, and more than 35 antlers.”
Elk antlers left in the wild eventually cycle back into the ecosystem where they provide a source of calcium and minerals for many animals such as mice, ground squirrels, bison, and even elk.
The possession, removal, digging, defacing, or disturbing of natural or cultural features from national parks is prohibited by law and subject to fines up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail. Anyone with information regarding antler poaching or other illegal activities occurring within Wind Cave National Park is asked to contact the park at (605) 745-4600.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
I would note that there is the Jackson Hole Elkfest, which is capped by the Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction. I believe the local chapter of the BSA gets a special permit from USFWS to collect shed antlers in the National El Refuge.
http://elkfest.org/
The town of Jackson has several elk arches. I'm not sure what the source for so many would be, but I would think they were either purchased or donated.
I would wonder why anyone would buy from illegal sources when it's not that hard to get legally taken antlers.
But those mice need the calcium, Y_P_W!! How inconsiderate, really, lol!
Probably should stop all retrieval of back country fatalities that deprive the environment of all those minerals, compostable nutrients, fossil fuels and sound polution used to deliver to imbalming facilities, motorcades and the rest. Just gets more and more crazy:)!