getting deer tag signed off

Gspman · Sep 26, 2016

hey all. When i take my archery deer to have signed off (when i get it in the AM)

do i need to bring the arrow i shot it with? some one told me id need it to confirm the 7/8" rule for the broad head?

Also has any one had any luck getting it signed at the post office? seams like my post office might give me grief.

xjon · Sep 27, 2016

Ive always just brought them the antlers with the tag attached. All they are to verify is that the tag is filled with correct info and that it is secured to antlers.
They have never cared what bullet I used, so I don't see them caring what broad head you used.
Then again, I bring mine to the sheriff station who are clueless with it and I show them the peace officer part.
If Post office gives you grief, give it right back to them. The patrons might give you grief but no way can the PM General. You can report to game warden, same I would do for anyone giving me grief for hunting.

Drewski2324 · Sep 27, 2016

I have had good success at the fire station locally. As with the sheriff they really have no clue. If they are not busy they will usually come out in a group for the story. Good group of guys.

Drewski2324 · Sep 27, 2016

Also, never been asked about an arrow or bullets. Usually they don't even know what season it is anyway!

TaftHunter · Sep 27, 2016

I've had a deer tag signed at a post office one time. The lady didn't even want to see the deer haha. But my dad told her she had to see it to make sure it was legal

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The Deer Guy · Sep 27, 2016

I've used the fire dept, sheriffs, local pd, and fish and game representatives. I've never needed the arrow or broad head. Just remember that if you use fire it must be a rank of lieutenant / captain or higher. Also remember that it must be the closest according to the law. I once had a game warden tell me that you have to go to the closest even if it's out of the way ( not on the way home).

Hope this helps
Josh

Aeon · Sep 27, 2016

Here is the relevant code for validation and head retention. Cops are the simple choice.

§708.6. Tag Validation, Countersigning and Transporting Requirements.

(a) Any person legally killing a deer in this state shall have the deer license tag validated and countersigned by a person authorized by the commission as described below before transporting such deer, except for the purpose of taking the deer to the nearest person authorized to countersign the license tag, on the route being followed from the point where the deer was taken (refer to Fish and Game Code, Section 4341).

(b) No person may validate or countersign his/her own deer tag or tag.

(c) Deer and Elk Tags, Persons Authorized to Validate.

(1) The following persons are authorized to validate or countersign deer and elk tags:

(A) State:

1. Fish and Game Commissioners

2. Employees of the Department of Fish and Game, including Certified Hunter Education Instructors

3. Employees of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

4. Supervising Plant Quarantine Inspectors

5. Junior, Intermediate and Senior Plant Quarantine Inspectors

(B) Federal:

1. Employees of the Bureau of Land Management

2. Employees of the United States Forest Service

3. Employees of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service

4. All Uniformed Personnel of the National Park Service

5. Commanding Officers of any United States military installation or their designated personnel for deer taken on their reservation.

6. Postmasters & Post Office Station or Branch Manager for deer brought to their post office.

(C) Miscellaneous:

1. County firemen at and above the class of foreman for deer brought into their station.

2. Judges or Justices of all state and United States courts.

3. Notaries Public

4. Peace Officers (salaried & non-salaried)

5. Officers authorized to administer oaths

6. Owners, corporate officers, managers or operators of lockers or cold storage plants for deer brought to their place of business.

Added 7/8/11.

§708.7. Deer Head Retention Requirements and Production Upon Demand.

Any person taking any deer in this state shall retain in their possession during the open season thereon and for 15 days thereafter, that portion of the head which in adult males normally bears the antlers, and shall produce the designated portion of the head upon the demand of any officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this regulation (refer to Fish and Game Code, Section 4302).

Added 7/8/11

ilovesprig · Sep 27, 2016

I used to sign them as a Fish & Wildlife commissioner.....It was declared a year ago because I'm a county commissioner & not a state commissioner, I can no longer sign them (I take the same state ethics test they take & there's only 5 in the whole state)......I guess I just don't know my animals, wildlife, or count good enough......

ps.....I have driven all over the place to try & find someone to validate tags.....I have had, fireman, sheriffs, and CHP refuse me......Carry the regs with you to show them their civil duty.

pss....This buck was killed by a DFG employee & couldn't sign his own.

.

Thwacker · Sep 27, 2016

If you are hunting in a national forest chances are you will drive by a ranger station or fire station, they will do it for you.
Or you can do like my buddy and take his to the local fire dept. and once you have it processed take them a roast or dinner or jerky.
Or do like sprig says and have the regs and show them they can do it, after all this is Cali and most don't know what a deer is unless Disney makes a movie about one

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getting deer tag signed off

Gspman

Well-Known Member

xjon

Active Member

Drewski2324

Active Member

Drewski2324

Active Member

TaftHunter

I hunt a lot

The Deer Guy

Active Member

Aeon

just a dude who duck hunts

ilovesprig

Moderator

Thwacker

Member