Bull or Cow

[EricB]

Lets say season is just about over & your freezer is empty. 20 yds. away stand a cow and a spike bull.
Which one would you take & why ? Or neither ?

 

[lang]

Spike, it doesn't have the effect on the herd like taking cows.  That being said my last few elk have been cows-don't judge me there wasn't a spike next to them.

 

[josiahpeters]

Unfortunately for me I always come across the wrong sex for the tag I have. Example, I had a cow tag for muzzleloader this year and I called a bull to within 15 feet of me. Last time I had a rifle antler tag, I saw nothing but cows.

 

[ghost]

Spike. Let the cow have more elkies.

 

[Primitive]

I would take the spike without a thought. I read some where that over her life a cow would give birth  to on average about 8 calves.  But if it is my only chance and the season is almost over, I will shoot the cow.  If given the option, always the spike. 

 

[airmanharv08]

Hmmmmm I would go with which one would give me the best opportunity to release my arrow, that being said, I would go preferably for the spike, but if the cow gave me the opportunity then I'll take her, as the post indicated, your freezer is empty and I'll take whatever of the two gives me the chance, I don't want tag soup!

 

[buckykm1]

Where I hunt a Spike isn't legal, so I would shoot the Cow.

Kevin

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Whichever is legal and trips my trigger at the moment!

 

[EricB]

Thanks for the replies. I too would take the spike. I was expecting a couple responses like "the cow would have more meat  or the spike would be easier to pack out ! " Or how about the guy that just has to have horns to show off ?

 

[GoatT]

If I really needed the meat, i would definitely take the cow otherwise it is Bull or Bust!

 

[kjdouble]

Cow, because it's 4 points or better on one side in my unit.
KJ

 

[Theelkhunter]

I would hope that the spike gave me the first shot, but if not, the cow gets the arrow.

 

[MT_mulies]

I would shoot the cow. I don't like shooting spikes. I have gone a few years without killing an elk because I passed on a spike. My thought is if I let the spike walk he will be a rag horn next year. I like seeing browntine bulls.

 

[GameSlayer]

Spike, let the cow make a few more. Plus the spike will melt in your mouth!! 

 

[BrentLaBere]

I am really new to elk hunting but I typically hold my standards too high and it usually ends up hurting me in the end......so I would say pass on both hoping for another opportunity at a larger bull.

 

[Bullhunter]

I personally would never take a cow.  But the first legal bull i saw i would shoot thats for sure.