The tape makes sense. Frankly, the rule saying you have to tag the ear seems pretty stupid. Best idea I've heard for that is to use a big safety type pin or one like on the license holder instead of cutting a hole big enough to put string or rope through. Gotta admit the last big Pa buck I shot went to the taxidermist with the tag on the rack. Game warden was there when I dropped it off and he didnt say a word about the tag. He definitely saw it cause he looked the rack over for quite awhile. Sometimes common sense prevails.