Actually, tags aren't any hassle. You already have a license and are checking in a deer on the app or via paper-phone-computer. Wrapping a piece of something around an antler or leg, or poking it through an ear isn's a big deal.

Physical tags do not have to be issued by the state and cost them or hunters money. Ohio requires tags but allows the hunter to do it themselves with whatever they want to use - big zip ties, a sheet of paper, whatever. As long as the info is on the tag/paper/whatever and affixed to the deer before moving and you then telecheck it, they're good.

Everyone bitching about trespassing, poaching and lack of compliance with deer and turkey check-in should want physical, visible tags on deer and turkeys. I know in Iowa they don't phuck around with anyone who has an animal with no tag. You're in trouble, period. It makes a difference.


What'll happen next IMO is weapon-specific licenses like in Tennessee and Mississippi for centerfire, MX, bow, xbow. There's too much money to be made to not do that. If you enjoy a crossbow and rifle, for example, right now you only buy one license but with segemented fees you'd have to buy one for each.

Some keep saying it won't happen but I believe it will. Just a matter of time.

Yea I’m all for buck tags being sent to deer hunters or OTC. I just didn’t know how tags would work for does. That’s where the state could make some obscure law and difficult. I’d be okay with a zip tie holding some form of paper to the leg with all the info. I didn’t know other states allowed that. In my head, when I think of a deer tag, I think of something sent to you either in the mail or you buy OTC.