Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Don't laugh. Transporting antlers with skull attached

Can a set of bull Elk antlers (lets say 325") with the skull attached fit inside a 5th gen Toyota 4runner? The rear seats will be folded down and gear with coolers will be in there too.

Plan on using the roof rack if I get lucky?

325? Really depends on antler conformation. How wide, long etc.

This was around a 300’ish bull in the back of my old 05 Unlimited






It was tight but with the rear seat removed it worked fine. I’d think the 4Runner is similar in size.

Maybe.

Check state laws on moving bone across state lines. Skull cap OK, unprocessed skull, not OK in many states.

Yes.

Who'd you end up booking your hunt with?

Use the roof rack either way. Always loved seeing elk horns going down the interstate.

If you carry them on the top, take them inside if you’re stopping overnight enroute. I always take guns in too.

I believe Arkansas has a regulation about transporting antlers and skull, etc due to CWD. There were some cases a few years ago about guys stopping to eat and their racks and meat were confiscated when a warden happened to see them in their vehicle.

I’ve carried them inside a GMC Acadia with three big coolers as well. Put the coolers in with the drain plugs facing the rear door where you can just pull them aft a bit and drain any water from melted ice as required. Then fit the antlers in and pack around them. Soft bags beat suitcases by a mile when it comes to packing.

Idaho prohibits entering the state with the brains or spinal tissue if the animal comes from a state with documented CWD.

They might fit inside but for sure can be strapped to the roof rack. Bring some ratchet straps and rope and you will be fine. Regarding the skull/CWD issue if you don’t skull cap it and want the full skull for a euro mount. Just bring a metal coat hanger and drill and it’s easy to remove the brain and you are good to go.

That skull will still be confiscated in many states.

I transport every elk I’ve killed in the back of my truck all the way to GA, including those killed on the ranch Sako is hunting this fall. My route takes me through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Memphis, Mississippi and Alabama. Six months ago more mine rode back just fine. I pulled into several spots to gas up, eat, etc and not one LEO or GW had anything to say but congratulations and lets hear the story….

Just curious why would it be confiscated? Most states are no spinal cord/brain matter.

I know NC says all meat must be deboned and skulls have to be clean i.e. no brain and no traces of meat. Hard to clean a skull in a mattef of a few days.

They even want you to label coolers with hunter info, state harvested.

https://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Chronic-Wasting-Disease/CWD-Related-Regulations

Pretty much the same experience, only different states. I have driven with multiple times with multiple elk racks in the back of my truck, from New Mexico, through, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. The racks were very visible to others that we passed or passed us on the hiway.

A little time with a Havalon and most meat on a skull is pretty much gone. I do know some people bring a pot and burner and simmer them on-site also.

You can get most with a garden hose and maybe a screw driver .

Many SE states are processed taxidermy only. Or skull plate that is cleaned. I'm not saying GW enforce it, but get ready for it. I know a guy who went through alabama and had a deer skull and all his meat confiscated.

Many states, no non-taxidermy bone is allowed from out of state.

Your skull will be cleaned… hide, brains, and for the most part be relatively clean if you choose to euro. If you choose to mount your bull it will be caped, and cut appropriately therefor clean as well.

Thanks Greg.