Variation in Space Use and Movements of Individual Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep in Response to Shed Antler Hunting

Shed antler hunting can affect the movements and space use of ungulates. We evaluated space use and movements of 12 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and 25 bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) during shed antler hunting for up to 4 years. Twenty-five percent of mule deer and 44% of bighorn sheep changed space use in relation to their home range in response to shed antler hunters across 2 years. Four deer were tracked for 3 or 4 consecutive years and responded differently to shed antler hunting across years. Mean distance moved by mule deer in response to shed antler hunters remained similar from year 1 to year 2. Mean distance moved by bighorn sheep in response to shed antler hunters declined from year 1 to year 2. Our results allow biologists to consider changes in space use and movements of mule deer and bighorn sheep when managing for shed antler hunting.