Check stations?

[Broken arrow]

I've searched all over the Colorado DOW site and can't find anything on what you do after you get your elk off the mountain. Do you have to check it in? Call it in? Just head home?

[Bullnuts]

Make sure it's tagged before you put it in your truck. The tag has to be punched and signed as soon as you kill the animal - so when you find it on the ground and it's dead, sign and punch the tag - but the tag doesn't need to be attached to the animal until you're ready to transport. Make sure you keep evidence of sex attached and if you're hunting in a minimum antler size restriction area, make sure you bring out the head. After that you won't need to stop anywhere to check it in unless you run into a game check station or you get stopped by a game warden.

[Broken arrow]

Thanks bullnuts!

[mtnmutt]

bullnuts: You only need the antlers right? You don't need the entire head? That is what I got from the regs for point restricted areas: antlers only are needed.

I have frequently driven the mountains during hunting season and I have never seen a check station setup on a pass during archery season. I only see them during rifle season. They setup on or near mountain passes. Perhaps they do them in archery further West of my hunting location. I have seen them closer to the Front Range on my way home when it was rifle season.

[cnelk]

A slight amendment to Bullnuts post.
The tag only needs to be attached when transported on a 'motor vehicle' or at the time it arrives in camp.

Only antlers are required when in a point restricted area and have them accompany the meat.
A good idea to have them with the meat regardless

[Broken arrow]

So would you recommend bringing antlers out on the first load?

[cnelk]

There is no law that states when to bring the antlers out.
Entirely up to you

[Bullnuts]

Yep, I stand amended. And I typically bring the head out with the last load because it's a labor of love and it inspires me to keep on going!

[LarryBud]

If you're using the gutless method, what's the easiet way to prove gender? I assume it needs to be attached somewhere or some how?

When are you allowed to package the meat? We ( rookies ) plan to set a processing table as we do at deer camp.

[cnelk]

As you use the gutless method, just leave the EOS on one of the hind quarters.

Once back in camp, you are allowed to 'process' you elk [package for human consumption]. At which time the EOS can be removed and discarded.