What does it mean to "tag" a harvested animal?

Tagging a harvested animal refers to the process of validating and recording the harvest for regulatory purposes. When a hunter successfully takes an animal, they must attach a tag issued by the relevant authorities to that animal. This tag serves multiple important functions: it provides proof of compliance with hunting regulations, ensures that hunters are observing limits on the number of animals they can legally harvest, and allows wildlife management agencies to collect data on animal populations and hunting practices. Proper tagging contributes to sustainable wildlife management, helping to monitor and maintain healthy ecosystems.

The other options do not accurately describe the process of tagging. Discarding an animal properly pertains to disposal methods rather than lawful documentation of the hunt. Preparing an animal for cooking is a separate activity that occurs after the animal has been harvested and tagged, while marking for conservation efforts typically involves broader initiatives that do not apply to individual hunters tagging their harvested animals.