Time to look for some sheds... Always carry a couple 16 penny nails for such an occasion.
It wasn't much of a problem. My dad, bro, me, the guide, his son, all had cow tags. But these fool clients either couldn't tell, or didn't know the difference. They were all hunting bulls. The guide always prepared by asking around, the locals, who had cow tags. And to be ready. That day there were 11 clients. They managed to shoot 5 cows. We had five cow tags. That day. But you don't punch one unless you have to. The guide was a lifetime resident. He would encourage older people, or people who couldn't get out to hunt to put in for cow elk. Who could refuse an elk, cut and wrapped, delivered to their freezer?