Free: Contests & Raffles.
i dont beleive their being poached intentionaly.its just hunters see spikes and shoot then realize they have a problem. a true spike has no points above the length of its ears its damn hard to tell a true spike,thats why that rule was put in place the game department wants failure to recognize a legal target more money for them ,and proves that modern firearm season is in question. if you shoot a spike and there is a 1'' tine above the ear that you failed to spot i would not consider that person a poacher and thats what happening out there. thats too bad it happens its not intentional . say now you shot the spike found a 1'' tine above the ear now its not legal kinda hard to hide an elk they just leave it happens ALL THE TIME . the rule needs changed back as before thats foresure. say hunters are going and shooting big bulls in spike only unit NOW THAT IS POACHING,unless you have in your possion a branched antler tag for the current season. which is like winning the lottery for some units.
what if they added this to antler restriction a spike antler cannot exceed more than 10'' in total length ,i am surprised they have not done that yet,wouldnt that make it easier. that way no elk would be harvested just camping with guns.