Identifying a mature cow

[Pghhunter]

Didn't draw my Wyoming tag but my friend did. So decided to pick up a Cow tag to try and fill a freezer with some meat since I'm driving out from Pa.

Any advice or tips for identifying approx. cow age on the hoof?

I'm not opposed to shooting a calf but would like to get the most meat I can.

Obviously if a herd steps out I'm shooting one of the larger bodied cows but if a lone cow steps out I want to make sure it's not a calf.

As an eastern whitetail Hunter I am assuming that even a calf will look big to me.

Just wondering if there are any tips I may not be aware of.

Thanks

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Short face and about the size of a whitetail is about a 6 month old calf. After that for a first timer it’s hard judging them. But the longer their head is the older the cow, also their color will tend to be lighter with age, younger calves tend to be a little more of a brownish. Old cows get more and more yellow


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[Salmon River Solutions]

If it’s a herd, the lead cow usually brings up the rear if they are on the move.

If you watch a calf long enough, they will do something that makes it glaringly obvious it’s a calf. They get pretty rambunctious. And will randomly jump around and play.

If they are bedded, lead cow, or a mature cow will be on watch, either standing, or not sleeping.


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[Pghhunter]

Sounds similar to Whitetails. Will be focusing on the head for sure.

 

[LostArra]

The one you didn't see during your stalk and who is now barking at you is probably the matriarch

 

[LostArra]

If it’s a herd, the lead cow usually brings up the rear if they are on the move.

If they are bedded, lead cow, or a mature cow will be on watch, either standing, or not sleeping.


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+1
A few years ago I shot a cow that was on the back side of a ridge covering the ground behind the herd. Watching the whole valley. I sent her tooth to the G&F and she was 11 1/2 years old. Meat was still good.

 

[Pghhunter]

Plan on taking it and having it butchered and frozen before the ride back east.

What size cooler will a processed cow fit in?

 

[Wapiti1]

All processed, a 120-150qt should hold it if it stacks well in the cooler. It is best to have them process it and pack your cooler/s prior to freezing it, then freeze the cooler/meat together.

After freezing it may be hard to stack it in the cooler, and you may need a 120 plus a 60 qt just because you can't pack it tight.

As to your initial question. Look for a long head like on a big whitetail doe. Calves have shorter muzzles and tend to look fuzzy compared to mature cows. Likely, you will have a cow to compare a calf to close by, and the decision will be easy.

If you shoot the lead cow, occasionally the herd won't leave her. They'll move off a hundred yards or so and mill around for a while.

Jeremy

 

[Marble]

The lead cow is not normally the back of the pack, actually I've never seen this, ever. And she isn't the biggest by default. She called a lead cow for a reason. She makes the decisions.

Look for a straight back, low belly, round hind quarters. Some cows live a really long time. I've killed a few that were lead cows, and a few that were just part of the group. They were all better than bulls, but bulls were still better than any deer.

 

[elkduds]

Lead cow is one of, if not the oldest cow in the herd, and earned her leadership by experience. She has much influence on the survival of herd members, and teaches the others based on her experience.

Making a case for not shooting the lead cow. Not the best eating, I prefer a yearling cow for the freezer. Elk have complex social relationships that evolved to survive as herd animals, which allow for losses to predators while the lead cow remains in charge. Cow tags are issued to manage herd size, w the knowledge that a high majority of antlerless elk are pregnant after the rut. Harvest one, that means two less next summer.

 

[Pghhunter]

Thanks for all the information! Now can Oct 15th just get here already.

 

[hobbes]

I've never noticed the "lead" cow in the rear. I believe she's the first (generally) to say let's get the heck out of here and on her command the rest follow. She may not be the biggest or even the oldest, but she's in charge. Lead cow discussion aside, I wouldn't shoot the biggest (maybe oldest) cow in the herd. I've not had a bad elk, but trying to shoot the oldest cow is asking to end up with the toughest meat in the herd. I'd pick out a mid size cow, she'll be easier to pack and a good chance she'll be better eating.

A lone calf is possible but it'll not be too far from other elk.

 

[Pghhunter]

I've never noticed the "lead" cow in the rear. I believe she's the first (generally) to say let's get the heck out of here and on her command the rest follow. She may not be the biggest or even the oldest, but she's in charge. Lead cow discussion aside, I wouldn't shoot the biggest (maybe oldest) cow in the herd. I've not had a bad elk, but trying to shoot the oldest cow is asking to end up with the toughest meat in the herd. I'd pick out a mid size cow, she'll be easier to pack and a good chance she'll be better eating.

A lone calf is possible but it'll not be too far from other elk.

Yea that's basically what I was trying to ask. Just don't want to shoot a calf if I can avoid it.