Winterkill Ethics????? I have a dilemma

[robby denning]

Randy, don't do it man. Leave well enough alone, especially that lone shed.

Where is this exactly btw?

 

[wymtnpounder]

It's always bitter sweet when I find dead heads, but I never feel guilty by taking them.

 

[archer wapiti]

Skulls in New Mexico are considered property of the state. I believe you can make arrangements to take possession legally of skulls you've found however. Sheds are legal. There's no mention of ivories that I'm aware of. Check the proclaimation for your state and see what the regs are before you put yourself in a compromising position.
The Game department was auctioning off skulls at the outdoor show last weekend, so even by gathering them up for your state's game department, they might be able to generate revenue for conservation.

 

[Idaho Sandman]

Fully legal to take them in Idaho. Agreed with others if that you're not pushing already taxed animals, go get them! Can't wait to see the pics. Hopefully this winter puts a dent in the wolf population as well.

 

[Violent Hippie]

What region of Idaho are you in ? I know here in the Sierra were getting HAMMERED this winter. I see no problem with collecting the remains .

 

[mtnwrunner]

So, I was able to go up and look around this afternoon. What I found is that nature is indeed cruel. It looked like they lived in this area all winter as there was literally no where else for them to go and the ground was just pounded with elk droppings and all the brush was eaten including small trees. Very gaunt carcasses and every yearling had its head either tucked in or bent backwards along the back. Not sure what that is all about and two yearlings and one cow were found all together. I found over 20 dead, mostly yearlings, 3 cows and 2 bulls. I recovered the horns and got several sets of ivories and it all felt okay other than just being sad. These photos are all of different elk and of the vegetation they ate.
NOW for the GOOD news..............................I was able to see over 100 head alive and well across the drainage about 2 miles away and about 1000 foot up. All looked good and were feeding on the south slopes. Hooray!

Randy

 

[mtnwrunner]

More photos..............

 

[mtnwrunner]

And more..........

 

[mcr-85]

That sucks! How many calves were in the group you found feeding?

 

[Ryan Avery]

Old ma nature is a bitch!


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[Violent Hippie]

Wolves probably getting hulked up with all that carnage. Thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[Jskaanland]

That's sad to see. There is a spot in MT I hunt that is well used winter range, we usually find a couple winter kills. I hope we don't find anything like what you're seeing this year.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

It is interesting that there are so many dead elk in an area that already has no snow. Elk can handle some serious snow. Wonder if it isn't something else that got em? Looks like some Banks country to me.
There was a huge winter kill in the late 80's when I was a kid and around there. It basically wiped out the animals and they never really recovered in that area. We went ice fishing up at Cascade and there were hundreds of dead animals along the highway.

 

[elkguide]

Nothing more cruel than Mother Nature.
Sucks but thanks for the pictures.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Ugh, that really sucks. Hopefully the weather moderates and spring is kind.

 

[cnelk]

Mother Nature and Father Time are both undefeated in life....

 

[Elkhunter777]

Hey buddy,
And anti hunters say what we do is cruel.
That shed is awesome!
Mark

 

[darcytribe]

Thanks for sharing Randy. Good to hear there is a healthy herd remaining!

 

[tipsntails7]

Man sucks to see that. Brutal lives they live


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