CO elk meat pack out question

Brazos · July 03, 2012, 12:39:00 AM

I think it's just an old rule that has never been updated. It made sense in the old days when you had a buck tag or a doe tag. But if they sell you an either sex tag then the rule really doesn't apply. I think that is why when I ask locals what they do they look at me funny and say they don't do it. It makes sense for them if you think about it. They can buy an OTC archery tag good for one month for approx $30 for cow or $60 for an either sex. No brainer brainer for them to spend a few extra $$. For us out of state guys we spend 10x that. We have to make a choice. I have not shot an elk yet nor do I live in Colorado but my guess is a GW wouldn't hassle you too much if you had an either sex tag. It's a loosing deal for him as he would loose in court. What is a game warden going to tell the jury? You shot a cow elk with an either sex tag? I would have to dig thru my hunting stuff to make sure but I am fairly certain my license had my unit number on it. Not trying to start an argument as it won't change things. When I shoot an elk I will have sex attached even though I think it is stupid.

Gil Verwey · July 03, 2012, 09:15:00 AM

There is no way you can be illegal, because it is IMPOSSIBLE to take the elk out in one trip. We hunted back country last year and it would have taken 2 of us over 3 days to get the elk out.

FerretWYO · July 03, 2012, 09:39:00 AM

Transport is defined as moveing the carcas a signiticant distance by vehicle. packing does not fall under the transport clause.

DGW · July 03, 2012, 10:12:00 AM

If you shoot a bull and bring out the rack with the meat is that not proof of sex, or do you still have to have proof atatched to one quarter?

kadbow · July 03, 2012, 11:24:00 AM

If you shoot a bull with an either sex tag that doesn't meet the antler restrictions and you say it is a cow you are breaking the law.

MAT · July 03, 2012, 12:41:00 PM

I've called the CO on this before. Evidence of sex has to be attached to 1 qtr until you get it back to camp and before you butcher. You can cut up your elk into smaller packages at your camp (in my case was just off the road) which will eliminate the evidence of sex. I would verify with the local CO if you plan to do this.

If you shoot a bull (verified by the evidence of sex) then you need to meet to 4 pt rule if hunting in those areas, thus the evidence of sex is needed for compliance with the law.

Geezer · July 03, 2012, 07:24:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Brazos:
I think it's just an old rule that has never been updated. It made sense in the old days when you had a buck tag or a doe tag. But if they sell you an either sex tag then the rule really doesn't apply.

Actually in the case of either sex licenses having evidence of sex naturally attached is more important. Consider that most CO elk units have 4-pt restrictions and since non-attached antlers are not proof that the meat in your possession and said antlers came from the same animal (they can be matched by DNA testing but GW's don't have that equipment in their trucks). The difference between testicles from a yearling bull and a breeding 2 year old bull are distinctly different and readily apparent. If they weren't required to be naturally attached there would certainly be many illegal (less than 4-pts) bulls carried out of the woods.

scruff · July 03, 2012, 08:06:00 PM

It's not that difficult to leave some evidence of sex, I have packed several animals out of the woods in CO. For males, I simply split the scrotum and leave a testcle attached to each ham. Cow elk are a little messier, especially if there is milk in the udder. You just need to think about what you are doing when you start the field dressing process. Skinning out a testcle or part of an udder is not that tough. When you bone out the hams, just be careful not to cut your evidence of sex off, and go slow when you slip the meat into your game bags. I've been checked twice and wardens not have any issues. Good luck.

jhg · July 03, 2012, 10:16:00 PM

I think its a good rule and never been one that has caused much concern. Certainly very easy to follow.
For those who would find ways to subvert evidence of sex as a way to take more than one animal, well, those people don't follow laws anyway, no matter what they are or how well they are written. Let the wardens worry about them.

Joshua

Brazos · July 03, 2012, 10:47:00 PM

Ok Geezer you are the one that may have found the flaw in my theory. I admit it had not occurred to me in that if I shoot a bull I want it to be respectable, something I would mount. Otherwise I just assume shoot a cow. For example here in TX I have not shot a buck whitetail since 2004. If I am not going to mount it then I let it walk. Once you shoot it the horns stop growing. So what Geezer is saying makes sense and messes up my argument. Since in most of CO they have antler restrictions there is the possibility you could shoot a young bull that does not meet these restrictions, toss the horns, and say you shot a cow. Hat off to you Geezer as you make sense.

DGW · July 03, 2012, 11:14:00 PM

Just read the regs and they say evidence of sex attached. They say the antlers or horns has to be attatched to carcass.
So sounds cut and dry, a person has to leave evidence of sex attatched to quarter.
Or good chance you get ticket. We all hope that no one will try to pass off a bull for a cow.

Brazos · July 03, 2012, 11:34:00 PM

I agree DGW the law is quite clear and never have I suggested doing otherwise. I personally sidetracked this thread as I felt, still do, it is stupid (if you carry an either sex tag, a sex specific tag totally different). Even as vocal as I have been on this thread Geezer corrected my theory. To the OP keep evidence of sex attached! Even though I personally don't necessarily agree with it I would do it without question. I think the bigger question for the OP is what is allowed once you get your elk off the mountain and back to camp and beyond.

Geezer · July 03, 2012, 11:45:00 PM

The Colorado rules say once your animal has been 'processed' it must still meet evidence of sex requirements. Obviously, if commercially processed there is just no way to no what it is. In this case, benefit goes to the hunter who is doing his best to take the best care of his meat possible. If not commercially processed; say, if cut and wrapped in camp, then evidence of sex should still remain with a large cut of the hind quarter. Unless a Colorado GW suspects a crime they usually won't hassle you. Now, for instance, if evidence of sex is cut and left in the woods then standard operating procedure is to issue a citation for EOS, take a sample of meat for DNA analysis. If DNA shows it is the wrong sex, someone will come visit about illegal possession.