Most cow/calf pairs are part of a bigger herd led by a mature cow. Another cow in the group will often adopt, and nurse, if necessary, an orphaned calf. If you are not concerned with quantity of meat, but desire quality, you might take the calf if legal. Never done it myself, but a hunting buddy of mine did ' bouta half dozen years ago, and it was like wild veal. Absolutely fantastic eating. He did however take some heat for taking what some of our clan described as a " hooved" Great Dane. (as a receipient of some of that meat, I have no criticism...mmmmm...)