If I recall correctly, an article from the North Hastings Elk Restoration Committee stated that the last Elk shot in the Bancroft area was in 1972, and you could shoot remaining elk if you had a big game license for another species. After that time they were considered extinct.
The other thing to consider is that in this area (we are in WMU 57) there is about a 90% chance of getting an antlerless tag, so most gangs that have a dozen guys usually have plenty of antlerless tags. Almost everyone in the area runs the deer with dogs. When you see them coming, it's usually a split second decision to make and this has definitely contributed to the "if it's brown it's down" mentality in the past. In the thick brush, often you will see a flash of brown and the silhouette of an animal and that's it.
I can't speak for everyone, but our camp and the camps around us have definitely missed opportunities by taking the time to ensure that it's a deer and not an elk before shooting.
The other thing to consider is that in this area (we are in WMU 57) there is about a 90% chance of getting an antlerless tag, so most gangs that have a dozen guys usually have plenty of antlerless tags. Almost everyone in the area runs the deer with dogs. When you see them coming, it's usually a split second decision to make and this has definitely contributed to the "if it's brown it's down" mentality in the past. In the thick brush, often you will see a flash of brown and the silhouette of an animal and that's it.
I can't speak for everyone, but our camp and the camps around us have definitely missed opportunities by taking the time to ensure that it's a deer and not an elk before shooting.
