Spike vs. Cow

[cnelk]

If you could choose, which would you rather shoot?
Spike or Cow?

Ive shot my share of spikes before antler point restrictions were put in place in the late 90s [Colorado], and since then shot my share of cow elk when I can.

But if both a cow and and a spike give you an opportunity to fill your tag, what ya shooting?

 

[sndmn11]

Spike

 

[Next Ridge]

Whichever one gives the best shot - closer, more broadside, etc. if it is exactly equal, I’d size up the cow for age. Big, old barren cow I shoot before spike. Young, healthy cow I probably shoot the spike.
Really hard to say though since I’ve passed on both before and really wished both were legal at different times so I could shoot one, ha.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Spike. With a cow you never know if it’s 2 years old or 12 years old. A spike is almost guaranteed to be delicious.

 

[TxxAgg]

Cow

 

[justin davis]

Spike

 

[Sled]

best available shot but i really like cows

 

[Wrench]

Having killed a good number of both, ill take a cow. Cows are more plentiful and it's easy to judge size amongst a herd of cows vs a group of 3 spikes.....plus spikes are dumb as a hammer. Killing a old dry cow is not for pussies.

 

[Dust Rider]

Spike. I know its young and I like horns

 

[LostArra]

I don't think meat quality can be judged on the hoof other than maybe a calf. I like all elk meat.
I annually hunt cows due to point creep and arrowing a mature cow is an accomplishment for me since they don't seem to get stupid during the rut.
Drawing an antlered elk tag is so difficult in the area I hunt I would only shoot a spike on the last day of the hunt which I did 10 years ago. So I guess my answer is COW

 

[One-shot]

Cow - just cause I see more of them, so odds are better.

 

[Elkfitness]

I’d probably go for a spike as I would be sure it’s younger. But, the cows I’ve shot have been fine eating as well.


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[CAElkhunter]

If you shoot spikes they will never grow to be 6 points...I prefer cows if you are purely meat hunting.

 

[Broomd]

Shoot the spike, let the brood stock live and reproduce.

 

[sasquatch]

Cow. The spikes horns aren’t worth much unless your one that likes to brag you “got your bull this year”

Also, I’d rather not contribute to weakening the bull/cow ratio by killing a spike


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[Swede]

I would take the cow if it is larger. Spikes generally run 190-210 pounds hanging quarters with all of the bones. The cow I shot this year had about 175-180 pounds of clean meat after all butchering was finished. I have only had one cow that was tough in over 30 elk killed.

 

[MTSasquatch]

Spike. Not as smart, and you know the age.

 

[cnelk]

Cow for me.

Spikes are just stoopid. Plus, if you really want to participate in herd management, taking cows improve the overall herd.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

Which ever is legal for my tag...watched 3 different bulls this year including a spike...naturally I only had a cow tag....

 

[Laramie]

If I am at the get meat point in the season on an any tag I am shooting the first adult I have a chance at. If a group of cows/spikes is in the wide open, I am picking out the biggest body which is typically a cow. In 31 years I have only taken one spike home.