Shifts in resource selection by mule deer and bighorn sheep in response to shed-antler hunting

Abstract Shed-antler hunting (i.e., collecting cast cervid antlers) has increased in popularity over the past decade and can lead to human-wildlife conflict. Little is known, however, about how this activity may influence habitat selection by ungulates. We quantified habitat selection of 27 mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) and 29 bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis ) seven days before, during, and seven days after a 2-day shed-antler hunt held annually from 2012 to 2015. We predicted that those ungulates would select steeper slopes, higher elevations, and increased distance from trails and roads during and after shed-antler hunts. We further predicted that habitat selection by those ungulates would return to patterns similar to before shed-antler hunts within seven days following that activity. We documented shifts in resource selection by all mule deer and bighorn sheep during shed-antler hunts. During hunts, only ungulates that remained in the same area of their home range returned to normal resource-selection patterns within seven days following hunts. All other deer and bighorn sheep that moved ≥ 500 m within, or left, their home ranges did not return to similar resource-selection patterns after hunts, indicating a longer response to that activity. Our results can help wildlife managers understand how shed-antler hunting influences resource selection by mule deer and bighorn sheep.