Legal spike?

[jrebel]

Three pages later, with the benefit of videos and enlargements there is still disagreement about the length. In a real world situation where the decision needs to be made quickly it would be really tough to determine if it exceeds an inch.

Which is proof positive for why this rule sucks.....  Imagine if that elk is in brush / trees, where elk live....the decision just got harder.  Whoever made the true spike rule should be kicked squarely between the legs. 

[Timberstalker]

This isn’t just an issue in true spike units. It would be a tough decision in a spike unit as well. Just to be clear.


In my opinion, it’s a spike. The intent of the rule would be satisfied with that animal.

I’m shooting that elk in a spike unit.

[jrebel]

This isn’t just an issue in true spike units. It would be a tough decision in a spike unit as well. Just to be clear.


In my opinion, it’s a spike. The intent of the rule would be satisfied with that animal.

I’m shooting that elk in a spike unit.

That's funny...because I still believe it to be a two by two by the letter of the law.     

Don't most states have a rule that it's not a spike if there is a branch on either side above the ear......that would make a whole lot of sense.  This elk prior to being broke off was clearly a 2x2 so my rational says its a no go.  Ambiguous laws suck. 

[JWBINX]

I would shoot. That is a nub, not a point.

It looks to me like it’s a broken off point. And if it’s 1” long, it could be an expensive “nub.” Or cost you a few years of hunting privileges.

If it was the plus one on a 6 x 6 bull, most hunters would be calling it a 6 x 7!

Those are also the same guys that count eyeguards on Blacktail and Mulies. There is no game warden out there that would push the issue on this bull.

I was under the impression that "eyeguards", or brow tines, are counted as  G1s when scoring mule deer or blacktails.

Igor, You are 100 percent correct. Mule deer, Blacktails and Whitetails. Over an inch-- they get measured.

[Timberstalker]

You can shoot a spike with eyeguards in a spike unit, as long as the eyegaurd(s) originates less than 4” from the hair.

Good luck figuring that out in the field at 300 yards!

[snake]

ive found more than a few dead 1x2's in a certain true spike unit while picking horns over the years. True spike rule is one of the dumbest rules ever made.

[jstone]

Me I let it walk. I don’t take chances with our regulations. Also when in doubt let it walk.! I have seen people shoot then leave them that is stupid in my mind. But you can’t fix stupid.

[Stein]

ive found more than a few dead 1x2's in a certain true spike unit while picking horns over the years. True spike rule is one of the dumbest rules ever made.

That's a pretty high bar to cross.

[dilleytech]

I'm baffled by how people justify there decision......Not saying I am right or wrong, I'm just not willing to gamble it being less than an inch.  It is for sure a protrusion / point coming off the main beam.  Based on how WDFW measures the total length of the point....I have to believe it would be an inch long, but maybe not. 

The red line would have to under 1" long based on my knowledge of the law.   

Your red line is not in the correct spot and is about 25% longer then that point really is but I agree the point looks like more then an inch. I think whether or not you’re getting a ticket is 50/50 as that’s clearly a spike but it’s a 2x2 spike. And at the discretion of the officer. You’re gambling on the officers attitude not so much on if that’s a 1x2.

My black line is curved.....that because my mouse pad on my laptop and my fingers cant draw a straight line.  according to the WDFW the black line should connect where the protrusion meets the main beam on both sides and that would be your starting point...regardless of where you start the red line.  In my mind it is clearly an inch....but I agree it without having a dead elk, it would be impossible to know for sure.

I said red line not black. The red line is not where you would measure that point.

[dilleytech]

This isn’t just an issue in true spike units. It would be a tough decision in a spike unit as well. Just to be clear.


In my opinion, it’s a spike. The intent of the rule would be satisfied with that animal.

I’m shooting that elk in a spike unit.

That's funny...because I still believe it to be a two by two by the letter of the law.     

Don't most states have a rule that it's not a spike if there is a branch on either side above the ear......that would make a whole lot of sense.  This elk prior to being broke off was clearly a 2x2 so my rational says its a no go.  Ambiguous laws suck.

I think his point is it is a spike elk even if it has more then 1 point. It’s of the age class the law is designed for. A 1.5 yr old elk is a spike. Even if it has more points. Still it’s a 2x2 and technically not legal. Assuming the broken point is an inch. If it was a 6x1 with a broken main beam it would also be legal. But clearly not a spike. There’s technicalities around the law but the intent is people can kill 1.5 yr old bulls. If I saw the nub I would let it walk as I don’t need meat badly enough to break the law. But if I shot it I would be taking it home and feel pretty good about my odds with the warden if confronted.

[Gentrys]

It shouldn't be that difficult for hunters in the field to determine if a bull is legal or not.  Bad rule.  WDFW's reason for true spike units makes no sense. 

[Browndawg]

Illegal is just a sick bird

[HillHound]

It shouldn't be that difficult for hunters in the field to determine if a bull is legal or not.  Bad rule.  WDFW's reason for true spike units makes no sense.

No it shouldn’t, but bad/confusing rules pay their bills. How are they going to fine people for making mistakes if they go and make the rules practical and easy to follow