Antler collecting rules set in southwest Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says collecting antlers in parts of southwestern Colorado’s Gunnison Basin is prohibited from Jan. 1 through March 14.

The agency said Monday that from March 15 through May 15, antler collecting in those areas is barred from sunset to 10 a.m.

The ban is designed to minimize stress on animals during winter months and avoid disrupting the Gunnison sage grouse during the mating season in early spring.

Gates are closed and locked on some county and federal back-country roads to protect Gunnison grouse during mating season.