The collars on elk are actually just plain leather.



The WDFW doesn't mind having the animals taken, it actually helps provide them with additional info when you return the collars. It is a lot of work, but well worth the effort.

I always take the first legal animal I see for deer or elk, unless I have drawn a trophy tag. Nothing wrong with going home with a truck bed full of meat for the year.

If it has a collar, it is kind of like getting a duck with a band. There is nothing unsportsmanlike taking a tagged animal as long as you follow the laws. If the same elk had the collar fall of a minute before you saw it, you would still shoot it, right? The collar is no issue, kind of an oddity.

Same thing with bear, first legal, but avoid sows with cubs.

Never saw a cougar, but I have seen their tracks, in my footprints, on the way back to the truck. I would take the first legal one, as well.

By the way Stringer, that is me holding the cow elk. What a blast it was.