The emerging need to manage scavenged wildlife resources

Samantha M.L. Maher, Tyler Kjorstad, Kailin Kroetz, Van Butsic, Arthur D. Middleton

Scavenged wildlife resources are a unique type of common pool wildlife resource that are collected without killing or capturing the animal, and their collection is understudied and potentially underregulated relative to their conservation significance. The separability of these resources from the living population of animals that produce them can complicate efforts to link collection to future resource availability and develop management strategies. Furthermore, these resources are gaining popularity as online markets cater to a growing global demand for niche animal products. A notable example is naturally shed antlers from wild herds collected by “shed hunters” for both personal and commercial use. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), home to the largest migratory cervid populations in the continental United States, shed hunting's growing popularity has created a potential common-pool resource dilemma. We surveyed shed hunters before and after a key policy change in Wyoming. Our results reveal diverse recreational and commercial values for antler collection. We also show that resource users are experiencing externalities from increased congestion and indicate strong overall support for active management, though participants differ in their preferred approaches. Exploration of the social dynamics reveals multiple types of scavenged resource user groups giving rise to a complex management environment. In considering future management in the GYE shed hunting context, we emphasize the importance of the separability of the resource from the animal. Specifically, approaches like seasons designed to reduce overlap of resource use and wildlife during key periods can support recreational opportunities while reducing disturbances to wildlife.