Where does the tag go when you pack out an animal?

txhunter58 · Oct 12, 2017

In the past, it has been stated, and confirmed by the Colorado DOW that when you pack out an animal, you could detatch, sign and cut out the date on your tag, but keep it in your pocket instead of attaching to the carcass until you get the whole animal to the truck. Then before you transport it in your vehicle, you have to attach it to the meat.

However, that appears to have changed. Here is how the current regs read:

"Tags must be immediately signed, dated, detached from the license and ATTACHED TO THE CARCASS of the animal ? not to detached hides, horns, antlers or CARRIED SEPERATELY"

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

ColoradoOak · Oct 12, 2017

That same wording was in the regs back to at least 2015. I still think you don't have to attach until it's transported in a vehicle. But it definitely must be voided immediately (separated, punched, signed). If you're concerned about it, my suggestion would be to keep it with the first load that goes to the vehicle, but that opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.

El Gringo · Oct 13, 2017

I attach it to the quarter with the Evidence of sex remaining, and close up a game bag around it. I've been checked a couple of times, and seems to be what they're looking for.

txhunter58 · Oct 13, 2017

Here it is in writing as a reply from the P&W to that very question:

Thank you for contacting Colorado Parks and Wildlife. When you have successfully harvested your animal you must detach the carcass tag, sign, and date it. The first piece of meat you get back to your vehicle or camp should have evidence of sex naturally attached and the carcass tag tied to it. During trips to and from the kill sight you will keep the hunting license on your person till you have retrieved the rest of the meat.

If you have any further questions please use the information below.

Thank you and make today a great day.

Navarre Roybal
Hunt Planner/Communications Center

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

txhunter58 · Oct 13, 2017

But a couple of years ago (don't remember how many, maybe 3-4) I had it in writing from them that you could keep the tag in your pocket until all the meat was transported to your truck. That is why I think they changed it somewhat recently.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

Adventurewriter · Oct 13, 2017

The rules writer doesn't live in my world....80 percent of my animals are packed out in pieces

txhunter58 · Oct 14, 2017

Just put the tag on the piece of meat you have the proof of sex on even if it is not a whole quarter and you will be within the law. Take that one in your first trip and you are good to go

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)