true spike or mature cow ?

[wheels]

always thought  the cow was larger then the spike am I wrong ?

[Bucks2Ducks]

No, your going to be right the majority of the time. A spike will usually be 1.5 years old, a mature cow 5+ years.... I would roughly guess another 150-250 lbs more depending on the side of the state your on.

[Backstrap]

A fully mature cow will be bigger than a spike. But not all cows are fully mature. And of course there are always exceptions. I’d rather eat a spike than an old cow.

[wheels]

talking eastside  just was talking with my dad   saying  dont mind not chadsing spikes since  have chance at a cows later   thinking more meat anyways

[shootem]

A 1.5 yo spike is going to be as good as it gets for the table.

[Skillet]

If you want to fill more tables, though, a big cow is a pretty attractive option.

[Bob33]

Whichever comes first.

A spike in the hand...

[Old Man Yager]

One of my Dads old hunting partners said don't shoot the lead cow, she's the oldest and will be the toughest to eat!! 😝

[Stein]

I don't think they make many elk that don't taste good.  Given a spike and cow standing next to each other broadside, I would shoot the bigger one but would be happy with either. 

A mature cow will certainly be bigger in general and in my limited experience.

I do try to avoid shooting the lead cow in a string on the move as I believe this is the herd elder, but again if that was the only opportunity I wouldn't think twice.

[bowhunterforever]

One of my Dads old hunting partners said don't shoot the lead cow, she's the oldest and will be the toughest to eat!! 😝

smart man

[scrapperdude]

alot more meat on an average size cow than a spike elk, and they taste great 

[Karl Blanchard]

I shoot the cow every time that way I dont have to pack out that big stupid head 

[PastorJoel]

A spike in the hand...

Sounds really painful!!!