Utah DNR to Auction Seized Antlers and Furs for Wildlife Conservation

Later this month, the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will auction off hundreds of antlers and furs that law enforcement officers have seized during poaching investigations over the past three years. The auction, held every four years, will take place online through JJ Kane Auctions on March 27.

Many of the items in the auction were seized as evidence during poaching cases, with courts ordering the forfeiture of the items. Other antlers come from animals that died due to harsh winter conditions or vehicle collisions. Proceeds from the auction will directly support wildlife conservation efforts in Utah.

“These auctions have been happening for several decades and are typically held every four years,” said Lt. David Beveridge of the Utah DNR Law Enforcement Division in a press release. “The auctions give people the opportunity to obtain a public resource that was either illegally killed or died of other causes. The funds raised from these auctions go back toward wildlife conservation.”

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A public preview of the items will be held on March 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at JJ Kane Auctions, located at 2353 N. Redwood Road in Salt Lake City. The preview allows interested buyers to walk through and view the antlers, furs, and other items, including forfeited bows and traps. Those wishing to bid must create an account on the JJ Kane website before the auction begins.

The antlers will be sold in “lots,” ranging from individual trophy-sized sets to collections of smaller antlers. While most are from deer and elk, some antlers and horns come from moose and pronghorn.

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“It is quite a sight to see all of these antlers, but the sad reality is that the majority of them are from illegally killed animals,” Beveridge said. “Poaching steals that opportunity away from law-abiding hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy these animals.”