I've never heard this actually explained yet I hear the term all the time. Time to admit my ignorance and ask.

In my state it's used as a generic term for the state issued deer license , this isto differentiate it from the basic hunting license, the IDNR refers to the metal possession seals that must be attached at check in asthe "deer tag" .

In PA our Buck Deer Tag is attached to our general hunting license as also is our Turkey Tag. We purchase seperate Doe Deer Tags. So a "Deer Tag" in PA is a tear off tag that gets attached to the deers ear when you harvest each respective deer.

It is simply a tag you put on a deer after you shoot it to identify who shot it and when and what sex the deer is. It comes with your permit when you purchase it. Most people call the permits "tags" since they are on the same piece of paper usually. Now that I think of it, in MI the permit is the tag, you put the whole thing on the deer I think.

If you are driving around with a deer in your truck and there is no tag on it you are poaching pretty much.

I live in Mississippi and don't recall ever seeing that in the laws here and I've had a lifetime sportsman license since I was 12 so I haven't cross paths with the license folks. Maybe that explains my ignorance?

In MN they used to give a flat metal "tag" similar to metal seals on semi trailers when you bought your license. Once you slipped it through a cut between the deer's lower rear leg bone and the tendon and clipped it shut, there was no way to remove it without destroying "the tag" to prevent reuse.

Then they went to peel and stick tags you tore off the license that usually didn't stick together once you got it wet with snow or blood in the process of slipping it through. Now you can just use wire or string and attach it after dragging out to avoid losing it.

Too much info. I'm sure.

In Okla. you are supposed to attach the deer lisence to the deer or a tag with your name and lisence # to the deer til you check it in. Then you are given a carcass tag that has to stay with the carcass til it's butchered.

If I remember right, in Mississippi, and some other states there are no deer tags. Thats why you have'nt seen them! In Tx. the tags are attached to your licience, and depending on the county that you hunt, you have a maximum of 5 deer per year. Tags must be filled out and attached to the deer, with the date CUT out, so you cannot reuse the tag.