Collecting antlers dropped by mule deer, elk and moose each winter might seem like an obscure hobby.

But 10,000 people have taken a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources online quiz that collectors are required to take if they want to gather shed antlers before April 15. After taking the quiz, collectors print out a certificate that they must carry with them in the wild.

Ogden antler collector Rick Bingham, who took the quiz, supports the program because it allows him to collect antlers in northern Utah during the winter months, something that was prohibited the past few years.

"If I found an antler, I couldn't pick it up," said Bingham of the division's old rule. "You used to have to wait until the first weekend in April and hope it was still there."

Bingham throws badly deteriorated antlers into his garden for decoration or to add nutrients to the soil. He numbers the fresher antlers he collects and keeps a list of where he found them. While they are in storage now, he hopes one day to use them to make a coffee table or a chandelier.

Mostly, though, he just enjoys collecting them.

"It's just fun," he said. "It is free to do and I have been somewhat successful over the years. I usually find one or two. It's almost like a treasure hunt. It's kind of neat to find them."

Division of Wildlife Resources law enforcement officer John Pratt said the big concern biologists had with winter antler collecting was disturbing wildlife that might be weak and vulnerable during the hardest part of the year.

The test -- available on the DWR Web site at www.wildlife.utah.gov -- helps educate antler collectors about the possible risks to wildlife if they get too close. After taking the test, collectors print out a certificate they are required to carry with them until April 15. Children accompanied by an adult with a certificate are not required to take the test.

"We are trying to educate folks out there," said Pratt. "These are the impacts you will have."

Pratt offered the example of an antler collector who might see some elk in a mahogany patch and wander over without realizing the animals are already in a weakened state. Forcing them to move could weaken them to the point of death in some situations.

Mike Fowlks, law enforcement section chief for the DWR, reminded antler gatherers that many of the state's wildlife management areas are closed in winter and spring to protect wintering animals.

"The challenge with shed antler gathering is that it happens during the worst time of the year for the animals and in the places the animals live in the winter," said Fowlks. "The animals are stressed at the end of the winter. And the habitat they rely on in the winter is wet and can be easily damaged. Fortunately, you can have fun gathering shed antlers without stressing the animals and damaging their habitat. This new course will tell you how."

Tom Wharton can be reached at wharton@sltrib.com or call him at 801-257-8909.