Isn’t the tag to accompany the antler until the end of times per NDGF?

Yes, for non-shed antlers. Shed antlers don't require a tag attached to them in perpetuity. Technically speaking, the NDGF can walk into any of our homes and confiscate every mount that doesn't have a tag on it and require you to prove that the deer was taken pre-2003. Anyway, if I remember correctly, this rule change came about around 2003.
While I understand the intent, I absolutely fugging hate this rule because it treats us all as if we are criminals.