Associated Press - November 20, 2009 9:54 AM ET

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has set an antler and horn gathering season for public land west of the Continental Divide in an effort to protect big game on winter range.

In an unanimous vote Thursday, the commission set the season for April 30 to Jan. 1. It's not expected to affect antler hunting in Teton County, however, because most crucial winter range in the area is already off limits from December through April.

Wyoming Game and Fish spokesman Mark Gocke says Boy Scouts will still be able to gather antlers on the National Elk Refuge for the Elk Fest auction. Gocke says that's because the gathering is done under the supervision of refuge officials with most of the proceeds going back to the refuge.

Information from: Jackson Hole News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com

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