Calico2311

So after pouring over this site and so many others. What are the tags? How do I get one or put in to maybe get one? Is it luck of the draw? Ive seen so many people say they have been putting for tags for 10+ years and never getting one. Do you have to have a tag to hunt? Or does it depend on the area? Also another term I came across is "spike" what does that mean.

Ive been pouring through hunting sites I never realized how in depth and monitored hunting is. I'm kind of impressed and overwhelmed with all the info and rules. How do ya'll keep track of it all lol. Though as much as there is for me to learn I am enjoying learning it thus far.

I'm in the Vancouver/Portland area if that helps answer my questions at all.

VTBoneCollector

Tags are what you can purchase over the counter in your home state. At least it's that way in Vermont. Some states may have lotteries for their tags, but in general, those are for out of state hunters. And yes, you need a tag to hunt for most big game species in the U.S. Deer that have a set of horns that have no extra points on them are called spike horns or "spike".

Calico2311

Great. Thanks.

buffybr

Hunting licenses vary from state to state. Basically, in each state, you need to buy a license that will allow you to hunt in that state. That basic hunting license may or may not include tags for individual animals, i.e., a deer tag, or a buck deer tag, or a doe deer tag, or a bear tag, etc, etc.

In many states, tags for high demand animals with limited numbers are only available through drawings that you have to apply for many months in advance.

Your best source for all of this information is the website of the Fish and Game Department of the state where you wish to hunt.

A "spike" is an antlered animal with one or both antlers only having one point that will look like a spike coming out of the top of his head. It is usually the buck's first set of antlers.

Calico2311

Thank you, I did look on the fish and game website and found somewhat difficult to navigate. But it had a wealth on information just wasn't sure I understood half of what I was looking at. I.e. the area in which I hunt. I got no idea where to go where to start lol. I look at the map and think that spot is as good as any right? Guess I won't know until I can get out there and take a look. Good news is I've got all summer to do so.

buffybr

Unfortunately, many of our hunting and fishing regulations have gotten so complicated that you almost have to have a fancy lawyer to interpret them for you.

And many websites only make sense and work for the guys that wrote them.

Calico2311

Ya ain't that the truth!

Big Uncle

Take your Hunter Safety class as soon as you can. You will need it in order to obtain a license. You should be able to ask some questions about local and state licensing. Most of the instructors are very helpful.