from state fish and game agencies can be really interesting.

I found a "dead-head"* bull elk in the mountains last week and had to get permission from the game and fish to retrieve it. On my way to get it I ran into the area biologist and asked if he wanted to go with me. He did, and once we located the bull he analyzed the carcass/bones/teeth and estimated the age. The bull I found had been hit on the road and was only about 30 yards from the road, but well hidden in the thick timber. In the 7 days that passed from me finding it to me retrieving it, the bears and birds had picked the carcass clean.

We had a good conversation about the specific area, how the winter had taken a toll on deer and antelope, and what predators were in the area vs other areas he covered. I've talked to him 2-3 times over the last 5 years or so and it was fun to meet him in person. Anytime I draw a good tag I contact the game wardens and biologists who cover the area just to get some insight.

I'll share an "after" picture once he's cleaned up and bleached.



*A deadhead is a dead animal with antlers still attached to the skull plate. If you find shed antlers they're legal to pick up (most of the time and in most places) but deadheads always require special permission. Game and fish doesn't want people wounding bucks/bulls on purpose then going back in a few months after they've died and collecting the heads and claiming them to be killed naturally. Game and fish wardens will usually scan the area with a metal detector wand and look for signs of foul play before allowing you to take it.