While we're on the topic of elk...

the general elk tag I bought has but one indication on it pertaining to its nature. It says ELK. Nothing more.

When you look in the regulations, there are 4 (from memory) categories:

Antlered and antlerless (in 410)

Antlered (6-point or larger) and antlerless

Antlered (6-point or larger)

Antlered (3-point or larger)

In addition there are different seasons for bow (usually without a draw), and for rifle (many available only through a draw).

My tag doesn't mention any of these categories, so I'm assuming that my tag is valid in any of the zones, in any of the seasons without a draw, for the category mentioned.

The question is: can I hunt elk on this general tag with a bow, in a zone where the rifle tag is available only on a draw? E.g. can I hunt elk in 408 after Sept 16 with a bow, even though I didn't draw an elk tag for that zone?
A similar example, can I hunt antlered moose with a bow after Sept 23 in a zone like 412, even though I didn't draw an antlered moose tag for that zone?

The regs say this: "Bowhunters with appropriate general or special licences may hunt during the general seasons as well as archery-only seasons." That is just a tad too general for me. What's the scoop?

Frans

When in doubt, re-read the regs- they've always seemed pretty clear to me.

quote:

E.g. can I hunt elk in 408 after Sept 16 with a bow, even though I didn't draw an elk tag for that zone?

As far as I remember without checking the regs, if it has a black square next to the season date, you better have a Special License (irregardless of what type of weapon you use) or you're screwed!

Why not just call up your Fish and Wildlife Division Local Office ?

I guess I'm just bothering you with my thinking process. My apologies. I probably have made some wrong assumptions in the past, that nevered mattered, because I didn't hunt with a bow anyway. Now that I do... I'd better understand. I think I was already coming to the same conclusion that you worded above, it just didn't sink in that fast.

Calgary Chef, are you reading this? It pertains to our plans!!

Frans

Frans, no need for apologies, you're not bothering me

Whenever I am in doubt, the first thing I do is re-read the regs, then if that is still unclear, I pick up the phone and call F&W.

The answer always lies in the regs and/or with Fish and Wildlife.

Hope that you have a great hunt!!

Hello;
Actually, quite a few of the Draw areas have a general bow season. They don't figure the bowhunters kill enough to affect the population. just make sure you have the bow license. Have fun Grizz

Franz look in the regs...if there is no black box --there is no draw. Sometimes there is no black box and then for later dates there is one--that's when the draw kicks in and you can no longer hunt with your bow. You can hunt with the bow during any general rifle season or any general bow season. I agree it's damned confusing.

the chef

You can Use your bow in a draw area up to the opener for the rifle hunt, unless there is an archery draw as well. Once the draw hunt opens, you cannot hunt with a bow. Look at the regs, if there is an archery general season and a draw later, then you cannot hunt after the draw hunt opens.

Thanks all, I figured it out in time...
Good thing that little voice in my head kept nagging me.

Frans