Sharing a Hunt

September 5, 2014

Question: My hunting partner has been very assiduous in accumulating points toward a cow elk hunt and estimates that he has two chances in three this year of getting a tag. He invited me along to help cut up the carcass and to share the meat. My question is can I can bring a rifle in case a finishing shot is needed? We would only tag one elk in any case, and naturally my hunting partner would get the first shot. He’s a pretty good shot so I expect the animal to go down quickly. I’m just wondering (Walter M., Lakewood).

Answer: Leave your rifle at home unless you have a tag. The only person authorized to take or assist in taking the elk is the person with the tag.

Makes sense.  The hunting partner didn't do his homework to get his own tag and wants in on the action.  Silly hunting partner...

What if the partner is hunting for squirrels, then shoots the elk and immediately hands off the gun to the friend with the tag? 

What if the partner is hunting for squirrels, then shoots the elk and immediately hands off the gun to the friend with the tag?

The partner is now categorized as a poacher but they have an elk for dinner instead of squirrel