Shooting cow with calf

[tman24]

I just got back from my late season archery elk hunt with nothing.  I did have a chance to shoot a cow that had a smaller looking calf, but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  I felt if I got the cow the calf would not be able to survive the rest of the winter.  Morally I'm fine with my decision, but I still replay the whole thing in my mind.  Just out of curiosity, can/do small calves make it without a mother/herd to follow?

[buck man]

I believe they will make it " if " they have a herd to follow to learn all the elk habits and routines.

[Hi-Liter]

I guess its a moral issue. I wouldnt do it either.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Its a tough call, I would shoot one in a herd, but in areas where elk numbers are low I'll pass every time.

[dreamunelk]

You made the correct decision.  If it was on the small side it would likely not have survived.   
Most will survive but, there are a few who don't. 

[Instinct]

Id pass up too

[PolarBear]

Id pass up too

[buglebuster]

Should have shot the calf. Excellent eating and an easy pack out 

[Sneekee23]

Pass every time...

[JLS]

I'd shoot the calf.  If you shoot the cow, the calf will be fine.

[plugger]

You made the write choice

[jackmaster]

i agree as well, i love to hunt, and it doesnt bother me to leave the woods with my tag still in my pocket, and you made the choice 99% of everyone else would make, congrats to you sir, its a good feeling when you know you could have connected but took the ethical way out, calf probably would have been fine but who knows or shoot the calf and find out you shot a bull calf, you made the right choice in my book

[NWWABOWHNTR]

I would be easting veal elk right now... shoot the calf.  One the calf is just one elk, shooting a cow during late season is like shooting 2 as most likely she has already been bred.  Not that I have a problem with that,  where antlerless is legal there is a reason, normally to get the bull/cow ratio correct. 

[Bob33]

I'd shoot the calf.  If you shoot the cow, the calf will be fine.

This time of year most calves can survive on their own.  A calf is good eating and less to pack.  I would not pass on the cow for the sake of a calf in a late season, however.

[Rick]

Shooting the calf is a good option. My brother filled his antlerless tag 2 years ago with a calf. Most guys think of a calf as a baby,but it was bigger than any deer we've ever had hanging in camp.

IIRC it was about 175lbs hanging. Thats only 25lbs less that the spike bull my other brother shot this year.