So why can't we arrow a spike bull?

[bessiedog]

I'm in a 3 or better zone. So far all I'm running into on my outings are spikes and nubby elk. Which is weird, and I know there's gotta be cows and other bulls around..... But why can't a guy arrow a spike bull elk?


Is it just cause their dumb young boys and too easy to get?


Just wondering.

[Bigfeet]

Spike bulls are the 'dumbest', or bravest, cohort of the elk herd. In terms of natural mortality of all age classes of elk, spike bulls have the highest percentage as they tend to wander a lot and get themselves into trouble. Allowing harvest of spike bulls, in many herds, adds a mortality factor that exceeds what the overall herd can sustain. By allowing year and a half old bulls to reach their second year, overall herd health is much better and we see more branch antlered bulls. Without branch antlered bulls, breeding success would fall and overall herd numbers would be affected fairly quickly.

[Okotokian]

I would assume the three or six point requirement is simply a way to control the harvest. If you could take spikes the harvest would probably be twice as high and all elk would have to be put on draw.

[bessiedog]

I kinda figured they were much dumber than the rest.

Makes sense. Thanks.

[MugEye]

Unless I read it wrong but it looks like you can shot a calf elk as long as the antlers are 4" or less if you have a antlerless elk season

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by MugEye

Unless I read it wrong but it looks like you can shot a calf elk as long as the antlers are 4" or less if you have a antlerless elk season

I honestly have never seen a bull calf with under 4" of antler, I am sure it has happened....but I have never seen it.

Most "spikes" have 8"+ in my experience.

LC

[MugEye]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

I honestly have never seen a bull calf with under 4" of antler, I am sure it has happened....but I have never seen it.



Most "spikes" have 8"+ in my experience.



LC

Lol I never thought of that . I guess you would see that more with moose and deer .

[Gun]

I don't think any calf bull of the year has antlers. Maybe the odd one. Most with spikes are 1 1/2 yr old.

[SSTL]

Originally Posted by bessiedog

I'm in a 3 or better zone. So far all I'm running into on my outings are spikes and nubby elk. Which is weird, and I know there's gotta be cows and other bulls around..... But why can't a guy arrow a spike bull elk?


Is it just cause their dumb young boys and too easy to get?


Just wondering.

I had a spike walk past me at 15 yards and didn't even sense I was there in the open...was wishing could arrow a spike in that WMU but couldn't...

[Mountain Guy]

Originally Posted by bessiedog

I'm in a 3 or better zone. So far all I'm running into on my outings are spikes and nubby elk. Which is weird, and I know there's gotta be cows and other bulls around..... But why can't a guy arrow a spike bull elk?


Is it just cause their dumb young boys and too easy to get?


Just wondering.

Think you pretty much answered your own question...

[el sparko]

spike bulls can be a great asset when elk hunting, they are facing their first season in which they are not wanted by anything. the cows don't want them because they are not considered breeders and the bulls put a run on them at first sight.
they spend their days during the rut hanging around the parimeters of the herd looking for acceptance. so calling in one or having one walk by is a sure sign others are near by