Eight out of every 10 wild, free-ranging elk spend all or part of the year on National Forests and grasslands. As elk were forced from their historic range, millions of acres of suitable habitat were left vacant. Although populations of elk in many western states are at high and generally stable levels, demand for elk hunting has doubled in the last 20 years and continues to grow. Through transplants and habitat improvement, a major opportunity exists to increase the current occupied range by up to 20 percent. Elk feed predominantly on grasses, but also use forbs, browse, and bark.
Prescribed fire is one way to stimulate forage production on summer and winter range.
Other habitat improvement methods include development of watering sites and seeding logged areas. Annually these and other projects to expand and improve elk habitat total over 48,000 acres on National Forests and Grasslands. These revenues provide important funding for many state fish and wildlife programs. With related hunting expenditures, elk hunting has become a mult-million dollar industry in many western states. Recreational enjoyment of elk is not limited to hunting.