Many of the antlers and furs up for auction were confiscated as evidence in poaching cases, with courts ordering offenders to forfeit them. Others were collected from animals that died due to vehicle collisions or harsh winter conditions, particularly during the severe 2022-23 season. All proceeds from the auction will go directly toward funding wildlife conservation projects in Utah.

A public preview will be held on March 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at JJ Kane Auctions, 2353 N. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City. Visitors can walk through the auction site to view hundreds of antlers, dozens of furs, and other items, including forfeited bows and traps.

The online auction will take place on March 27 through the JJ Kane website. Interested bidders must create an account on the site before the auction begins.

“These auctions have been happening for several decades and are typically held every four years,” said Lt. David Beveridge of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. “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. The last antler auction was held in 2022.”

The antlers will be sold in “lots,” which may include a single set of trophy-sized antlers or multiple smaller sets. Some are individual antlers, while others remain attached to skulls. The auction will feature a variety of species, including deer, elk, moose, and pronghorn.

“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 the opportunity for law-abiding hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy these animals. On average, each of our Natural Resources officers patrols around 2,000 square miles. When people report illegal wildlife activities, we can catch suspects faster and better enforce the state’s wildlife laws, helping to preserve Utah’s wildlife for future generations.”

For more details about the auction and to register for bidding, visit the JJ Kane Auctions website.