Elk were once native to Wisconsin, but they disappeared in the late 1800's. Elk farming has been done for many years IN Wisconsin. My Dad was the first in Vernon County - now there are several. The hills in our area are great elk habitat. They can use land that is not suitable for anything else.
Elk are easy to care for.
They are very hearty and do not eat much. You can raise 3 to 4 elk what it takes to raise 1 cow. They do not need shelter and even like to play in the snow. You do need to have an 8 foot fence to keep them in. My Dad put up one even an elk named Harry Houdini couldn't get out of.