It seems I remember reading about some novice hunter trying to check an elk through a check station here in VA some years back. IIRC, it was felt if he could not tell the difference between elk and deer he should not have been hunting.
I have to admit, after working my butt off for ten years trying to bag a wall hanger if I was in the woods and a nice Elk came along I don’t know if I could help myself. If I thought there was a even a CHANCE they might let me keep it I would sure be tempted.
Like the fellow who brought his accidentally-shot partner into the ER: "We couldn't save him...he mighta had a chance if you hadn't field-dressed him."
Btw, they're both delicious. Elk and deer, that is....