Spike or no spike? Shoot or no shoot? And now we know....

[h20hunter]

So......here is the wording directly from the regs:

Elk taken in these game
management units (GMUs) must have at least
one antler with no branches originating more
than four (4) inches above where the antler
attaches to the skull. An animal with a spike on
one side (1x2) is legal in spike only units. An
animal with more than one antler point more
than four inches above where the antler attaches
to the skull on both sides (2x2) is illegal.

The question up for debate is: Can I shoot this elk during archery season?

Key words from the regs....."above where the antler attaches to the skull." If it drops below.........can you shoot it?

[duckmen1]

I would think it would be legal but with this state you never know what a gammie would say.

[washelkhunter]

No Spike!

[deerslyr]

Looks like its less than 4 inches from the skull

[ghosthunter]

No shoot

[snarkybull]

shoot!

no judge will uphold a ticket for that.

case dismissed!

[D-Rock425]

Shoot and pray

[johnnyaustin44]

I'd say shoot. That other point seems to branch at the base which looks definitely less than 4 inches.

[bknilvr00]

So......here is the wording directly from the regs:

Elk taken in these game
management units (GMUs) must have at least
one antler with no branches originating more
than four (4) inches above where the antler
attaches to the skull.

I would think the intent in the regs would mean 4 inches length to the split. Regardless of antler direction. Imagine a fully formed 6x6 who's antlers grew out and down instead of upwards like normal. I highly doubt that'd qualify for spike status. But the only way to get a solid answer is to send pic into wdfw and get some answers.
Sent from my ADR6410LVW using Tapatalk 2

[duckmen1]

Thats a good thought then you would have it in their writing. But i personally would pass because to me its a branch antlered bull regardless of the regs. But it may be legal.

[D-Rock425]

This is the same bull I had on can last year.

[D-Rock425]

Seems to be the same size as last year.

[CedarPants]

I would contact the game warden that works that specific area to see what he/she says.

[hoyt2002]

Looks like a shooter. Do you have anymore pic's of him?

[runngun]

Illegal. Here's why:

You have to review the definitions just prior to the explanation:

Antler Points: To qualify as a point, an antler point must be at least one-inch in length, measured on the longest side.

Branch: A branch is defined as any projection off the main antler beam that is at least one inch long, measured on the longest side, and longer than it is wide.

Spike Bull Restrictions: Elk taken in these game management units (GMUs) must have at least one antler with no branches originating more than four(4)inches above where the antler attaches to the skull. An animal with a spike on one side (1x2) is legal in spike only units An animal with more than one antler point more than four inches above where the antler attaches to the skull on both sides (2x2) is illegal.


Antler point is measured from the tip, and he has two of them longer than 4 inches. The antler branch origination is legal, but his antler tip would also have to be under 4 inches from the skull. Basically it allows for little one inch stickers at the bottom of the spike antler. That boy looks like a 4x2.

It's not the Judge that finds you guilty it's a handful of people that were not smart enough to get out of jury duty. I wouldn't shoot it based on my understanding of the regs.