Here in Ohio an animal must accompany the tag. Go in without an animal and the counter help may self destruct right there from not knowing what to do next.
I don't have the time or patience for that.
I will say this, people give up way to soon. Just for debate and nothing against Matt from Pa. Do you think he would have spent days looking for a lesser animal? Most would not. I also think the, wait for hours before tracking, is way over blown.