Ask Fish and Game
idfg-staff
Q. Is it possible for a cow elk to have antlers?
A. Yes. It's very unusual, but happens every now and then. That's what protects you from a fine when rules are written "antlered only" or "antlerless only" in restricted hunts. You might not be close enough to actually discern the sex, or the angle might be wrong, but you can sure see the antlers if they are there.