Spike vs Branch Antlered Bulls

[Chrstn]

Gents,
Looking for some clarification on elk classification, specifically how spikes versus branch-antlered bulls are defined. I know the general rule, but I’ve seen differences in regulations and want to make sure I’m judging legality correctly in the field. Any insight or tips to avoid mistakes would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Dsnow9]

Depends on the state. Read the regs for that state.

 

[Pucky Freak]

An antlerless bull (rare during hunting seasons) is illegal on a cow/calf tag in most jurisdictions. That will test your ID skills even further.

 

[Rack Daniels]

Kind of a weird rule to define and I’d hate to cause any confusion but let me try this.

With a deer in MT, if it has spikes longer than 4” it’s considered ANTLERED. With an elk, IN MT, a “branch antlered bull” has a tine at least 4” on the BOTTOM HALF. If it’s just a big tall spike even with splits on top, it’s not “antlered” without the 4” tine on the BOTTOM HALF. Here is an illustration from our regulation handbook