When an animal is killed in a place that prevents it being carried out whole, what should be done to prevent problems with verification that proper tagging procedures have been followed?
At any one time, parts of the animal could be at three places - at the kill site, on the trail, and in camp or a parked vehicle. When hunting elk in difficult terrain, I have had to make up to 5 trips to get it back to camp. An officer could check my license and tag anywhere and anytime during that process. If the tag is attached "to the largest portion of the edible meat to be retained," that leaves loads of meat without any paperwork, and could lead to a difficult situation.
Answer:
It can be a tricky situation while packing out an untagged portion of an animal and we appreciate your responsibility in asking for clarification.
Here's a quote from a similar question on legally moving a tagged animal:
"If you are contacted by an Officer while packing meat off the mountain you are not in violation as long as the validated tag is attached to the largest portion of the meat no matter where that portion might be."
In the situation you describe, we hope that your patience and cooperation with an officer will go a long way to quickly verify your tagging compliance.
Don't forget to leave evidence of sex naturally attached, as well and please fill out your hunt report when you get home.
Answered on:
Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - 5:30 PM MST