Just curious, is there a written, or unwritten, rule about not shooting an elk calf? A few of us will be backpacking in Colorado; and, depending on how far from the truck we are, with the heat like it could be, just wondering if getting a smaller animal out quicker would be a better way to go?
I have killed a calf and was happy for the chance. Very tasty and as large as most deer.
You'll get about as much meat as you would off a big mule deer buck, maybe a touch more. It will taste amazing, and you'll be able to cut your steak with a fork. And no, there's no unwritten rules. :shaka:
Appreciate the info fellas!!
I have. Sometimes I can get more than one elk elk tag a year and it nice to cull one for the freezer. Late season they are bigger that most mule deer and eat like butter.
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Only way I'll shoot a calf is if one is in range and I haven't filled my tag yet.
:goldtooth:
I wouldn't at the start of season unless it's a really big one! I'd rather see somebody shoot the calf than the cow leading it! I know they can usually survive, but usually is the key word, get a tough winter and the calf could use a little help I imagine!
You'll have to decide for yourself. No different than shooting a fawn, I suppose, and folks do that all the time. I can't bring myself to do either.
Interestingly, in five elk hunts I've never been close enough to a calf for a shot. I've blown a couple chances at cows and probably six or seven opportunities on bulls.
Those experiences indicate that calves are the more difficult trophy. Yeah.......that's how I'll convince mysself. :biglaugh:
I don't know about legalities in your area but biologically, it is my understanding that taking calves causes the least damage to the population. Adults have proven genetics (they survived). Calves and fawns are unproven. Half of them feed the local predators (humans among them, historically-speaking) within the first couple of years while the other half sustain the population over time. If it were legal to shoot either and I had a cow and a calf walk by at the same time, I'd opt for the calf.
I wouldn't shoot a fawn because they are very small. In September, they are still spotted here. A calf elk is a large animal by comparison from September on. Lots of meat and not spotted.
ive killed my share over the years...they eat great
size will vari...ive seen spotted ones in oct
One year (96) I killed a calf opening day. I was calling for a friend looking for his first elk with a selfbow, he missed 4-5 times on various elk he was so flustered with the noisy elk in every direction. The calf came back to the call from above across a small meadow at about 30 yards. I had gotten so into into the mellay I just instinctively drew and drilled it. The next morning I slept in until full sun up. I unzipped the tent and stood up to the frosty SEP air and looked across the small meadow of our camping spot and looked right at a nice 6x6 standing there at 20 yards lol. Still an awesome story and I have to say I do not regret the shot. Alas, the speed racer crowd (Razor side by sides) have over run the place and the elk are not there anymore.
I'd shoot an elk egg, if one rolled by.
Quote from: BWallace10327 on August 13, 2018, 02:06:41 PM
I wouldn't shoot a fawn because they are very small. In September, they are still spotted here. A calf elk is a large animal by comparison from September on. Lots of meat and not spotted.
Seems like last several years in areas I hunt the calves are quite small! I always hope for a 1.5 year old dry cow to come by!
Quote from: Joey Ward on August 13, 2018, 03:45:49 PM
I'd shoot an elk egg, if one rolled by.
Now that's just funny right there!!!
In a late rifle season on the last day maybe but not during archery season.
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My father in law always says " never pass on the first day what you would shoot on the last day!"..
Those are wise words Crittergetter.
QuoteThose are wise words Crittergetter.
Yup they are.
Few years ago I passed on a small 8 point the first morning.
Never seen another buck all season...
I used to hunt elk antlers when I was young and harvested some big bulls. After a while I came to realize that I was just as happy getting a nice dry cow and they tasted better. Although I've never shot a calf I would definitely not rule it out.
If you were in a difficult spot, they would be easier to pack out. Tastes way better than antler stew. i would only shoot a great big bull if I was concerned with preserving my man status.
Quote from: Crittergetter on August 13, 2018, 10:53:21 PM
My father in law always says " never pass on the first day what you would shoot on the last day!"..
True but I have passed many an animal on the last day and had a tag to take home. Shooting a fawn/calf is like giving up. Granted later in season. They have a bit more size and weight. Early archery they are mighty small though.
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I've yet to harvest my first anything so, if it's legal and edible, I've no qualms with anything.
My first elk was a calf that weighed maybe 250# on the last day of the hunt. It was the best wild game meat I've ever put in my mouth!
Not for me, no good reason, they still seem small during archery season. No problem shooting a year old cow.
No elk hunting opportunities close to here. My family and I make big sacrifices for me to chase elk for a week in September. I've been every year for over 10 years without a kill (despite some wonderful opportunities), and if I have a calf in my wheelhouse with no better chance at something bigger.... its days are numbered. I am doing it public land and DIY.....the hard way. :biglaugh:
I will be looking hard for Mamma first though.
Everyone has their own perspective on trophy and what they will shoot.
Agreed, two4. If you live in elk country it's a different decision. On a scheduled hunt with no other chance, a calf looks pretty good by the end of the week.
Over the past 55 years of elk hunting I've taken a few calves. Usually it was either late in the hunt or mistaken identity. I do have to say that calf eats very well. I'd rather put a calf in the freezer then buy beef any day.
Mike
Right on, wingnut.
I've taken a calf before. My buddy had just shot a cow and I took her calf. I estimated that it weighed about 300#. It was bigger than any mule deer I've taken. Definitely easier to pack out than a big elk but if I had a choice between a big elk and a calf, I would take the most meat.
My chance at taking elk theses days is very limited. I was drawn last year for my once in a lifetime elk in ND so that door is closed.
If I get the chance to go to hunt CO elk with my son again, I'll shoot any legal animal. Love that elk meat.