What to do with the deer antler....

Our most recent poll regarding what to do with deer antlers generated some good answers and a few questions. As you'll recall, the poll question was:

"THE PRIMARY ARGUMENT FOR LEAVING A DEER ANTLER INSTEAD OF KEEPING IT AS A SOUVENIR IS...?"

Answer choices were:

1. So scientists can learn about deer behavior.
2. To avoid disturbing fragile ecosystems.
3. To allow others to enjoy the object.
4. So that its nutrients can return to the soil.
   

While technically any of the above answers could be correct, the most correct answer is to leave so others can enjoy the object. However, there are also other aspects of this situation to consider. 

People visit wildlands for many reasons, among them to explore nature’s mysteries and surprises. While many visitors are offended by finding litter in these wild areas, ecologists, botanists, archaeologists and other scientists are actually more concerned about impacts that impair the function of natural ecosystems, affect rare species or destroy the historical record. They are worried about what is missing from our favorite wildlands, things like native plants, healthy soils and archaeological artifacts, as well as rocks, wildflowers, antlers, feathers, fossils and other objects of interest. Leaving such things as we find them helps scientists understand the natural balance of the area and allows us to pass the gift of discovery on to those who follow.

Leave What You Find means retaining the special qualities of every wildland area—for the long term.