Game Recovery and Tagging

This document outlines the essential procedures for game recovery and legal tagging following a successful hunt. Following these steps ensures ethical hunting practices and compliance with wildlife regulations.

I. Immediate Actions Post-Harvest

Upon a successful harvest, hunters must prioritize safety, ethical conduct, and proper documentation.

A. Safety Check

Before approaching the downed animal, ensure the following:

• Weapon Safety: Always secure or unload your firearm or bow immediately.
• Animal Condition: Approach with caution, watching for any movement. If the animal is still moving, a final, humane shot should be taken immediately.

B. Field Dressing and Cooling

Rapid field dressing is crucial to cool the carcass and preserve the quality of the meat.

• Bleeding: If required by local regulation or deemed necessary, a clean cut to the neck or chest will help to quickly bleed the animal.
• Evisceration: Remove the internal organs as soon as possible.
• Cooling: Position the carcass to allow for maximum air circulation, especially in warmer temperatures. Propping the chest cavity open with a stick can help.

II. Legal Tagging Requirements

Legal compliance is mandatory. A hunter's license and tag must be immediately validated and attached to the game.

A. Tag Validation

The tag must be filled out completely and accurately at the site of the kill, and before moving the animal.

Field		Notes
Date of Kill		Must match the actual day of harvest.
Time of Kill		Record the approximate time of day.
Location		Specific area, grid coordinates, or public land identifier.
Signature		The license holder must sign the tag.

B. Tag Attachment

The law mandates how and where the tag must be affixed.

1. Detach and Sign: The tag must be completely detached from the license and signed.
2. Affix Immediately: Secure the tag to the animal's body before transportation. The required placement (e.g., ear, leg, antler) varies by state and species.
3. Ensure Visibility: The tag must be securely and visibly attached so it cannot be easily removed or lost during transit.

III. Transportation and Reporting

Proper transport and reporting ensure legal integrity and support wildlife management efforts.

A. Transportation

The carcass, or parts of the carcass, must be transported in a manner that maintains the integrity of the attached tag.

• Whole or Quartered: Ensure the parts of the carcass that carry the proof of sex and species (as required by law) remain with the main body portion bearing the tag.
• Evidence of Sex and Species: In some jurisdictions, specific parts (e.g., head, antlers) must remain naturally attached until the animal is processed at a permanent residence or licensed facility.

B. Mandatory Reporting

Many jurisdictions require hunters to report their kill within a specific timeframe.

• Deadline: The kill must be reported by the end of the calendar day of the kill, or as specified by local regulations.
• Method: Reporting is typically done online or via a dedicated phone line.
• Event Link: Report your harvest promptly via the required online system.

Important Note: Failure to tag an animal immediately or report a harvest within the legal timeframe can result in heavy fines and license revocation. Always carry the official guide to regulations and your hunting license and tag.