Shooting an elk calf??

[BRONZ]

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?

[BWallace10327]

I have killed a calf and was happy for the chance.  Very tasty and as large as most deer.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

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.

[BRONZ]

Appreciate the info fellas!!

[twitchstick]

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.


[attachment=1]

[Hackbow]

Only way I'll shoot a calf is if one is in range and I haven't filled my tag yet.

[old_goat2]

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!

[Orion]

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.

[Hackbow]

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. 

[YosemiteSam]

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.

[BWallace10327]

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.

[durp]

ive killed my share over the years...they eat great

size will vari...ive seen spotted ones in oct

[michaelschwister]

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.

[Joey Ward]

I'd shoot an elk egg, if one rolled by.

[old_goat2]

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!

[BRONZ]

I'd shoot an elk egg, if one rolled by.

Now that's just funny right there!!!

[GCook]

In a late rifle season on the last day maybe but not during archery season.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[Crittergetter]

My father in law always says " never pass on the first day what you would shoot on the last day!"..

[BWallace10327]

Those are wise words Crittergetter.

[Roy from Pa]

Those 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...