In Alaska: splitting the antlers in the field would be illegal in areas with antler restrictions. It's perfectly legal in unrestricted GMUs and zones, with documentation to prove the kill location. So my take on this is the pilot is (in your case) putting you in 20B or another unrestricted area if one exists. If not, avoid him
As a pilot my self you should read the law more before telling people to avoid someone.
Here is the quote within the Alaska F&G regulations-->. (Antlers must be salvaged where there are antler restrictions; such antlers must remain naturally attached to the unbroken or uncut skull plate if the required number of brow tines are not present.)
Pay special attention to the last 10 words, (if the required number of brow tines are not present). This is what matters.
This is taken on page four of the Alaska fish and game regulation book. --->. This publication is an INTERPRETIVE SUMMARY of the Alaska Hunting Regulations and contains rules, which affect most hunters, which have been simplified for your convenience. IT IS NOT A LEGAL DOCUMENT AND IT IS NOT QUOTED VERBATIM STATE LAW.
The highlighted words above are all that matters.
In closing: Taken from page two of the Alaska F&G book--->The regulations in this publication are taken from Title 5, Alaska Administrative Code and
Title 16 of Alaska Statutes, both available for inspection at any Alaska Department of Fish and Game office.
Everything mentioned above ONLY DEALS with Alaska Fish and Game regulations and NOTHING to do with FAA Federal aviation administration OR Flight Insurance... Both having THEIR OWN regulations for antlers outside of the aircraft..
Bottom line: THE PRICE FOR SUCCESS CAN BE EXPENSIVE
I hope this helps people realize more about aviation and the HIGH cost of ownership in Alaska.