These relocated animals flourished so well that 98 antlered bulls were legally killed in open hunting seasons between 1923 and 1931. Because of a declining herd size, hunting of elk has been prohibited since 1932. A recent survey indicated the herd size to be more than 250 animals, up from a low of 35 animals in the early 1970s. The current elk range is in southwestern Cameron and southeastern Elk counties. To maintain the elk herd and to keep them from agricultural areas, the Game Commission and the Bureau of Forestry, with financial assistance from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, have conducted timber sales to provide browse, established and maintained grassy strips for grazing, and have planted selected trees and shrubs to provide food variety.
Elk are much larger than white-tailed deer.
In fact, a mature bull can stand about five feet high at the shoulders, could weight between 700 and 1000 pounds, and would have a set of backward curving antlers that can sport as many as 16 points. On the other hand, cows are somewhat smaller, antlerless and can weigh between 500 and 600 pounds. The elks' coat vary from dark brown to reddish, depending on the season, but a large buff-colored patch covering the rump is unmistakable. Elk may be viewed by an alert visitor from the many roads throughout their range. An ambitious visitor may hike into the forest and see newly born calves in May and June.