Roosevelt Elk

## Description

The Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti), also known as Olympic elk, is the largest of the four surviving subspecies of elk in North America. They live in the rain forests of the Pacific Northwest and were introduced to Alaska's Afognak and Raspberry islands in 1928. The desire to protect the elk was one of the primary driving forces behind the establishment of the Mount Olympus National Monument (later Olympic National Park) in 1909.

Adults grow to around 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m) in length and stand 2.5–5 ft (0.75–1.5 m) tall at the shoulder. Elk bulls generally weigh between 700 and 1100 lb (300–500 kg) while cows weigh 575–625 lb (260–285 kg). Some mature bulls from Raspberry Island in Alaska have weighed nearly 1300 lb (600 kg).

From late spring to early fall, Roosevelt Elk feed on herbaceous plants such as grasses and sedges. During winter months, they feed on woody plants including highbush cranberry, elderberry, and Devil's Club. Roosevelt Elk are also known to eat blueberry, mushrooms, and salmonberry.

## Hunting Tactics

*Introduction*

A good starting point for dedicated Elk hunts is the  Darkwood Lodge. The eastern and northern parts from there are almost entirely dedicated to the animals with the large racks and their dames. You might walk into a  Whitetail or  Bear, but most tracks and calls will be from the Elk herds roaming the woods. In the other reserves their appearance is less exclusive, which makes encounters there more special. Always bring permitted guns for them when starting a session. You will hate to miss a large rack only because you aren't prepared.  Bow hunters will also have their share of fun. The rather large animal is relatively easy to lure into a suitable position for a safe broadside shot.

*Spawning*

Roosevelt Elk bulls travel alone or in mixed groups.

*Clothing*

There is camouflage clothing available that provides various advantages specifically against all deer species.

**Sense Reduction Values** (1 = some; 6 = excellent)

  Outback Outfit | 1 / 6 | 1 / 6 | 1 / 6

You will quickly see a big difference when using any of these outfits with the deer species when you have approached them with a regular outfit before. When in prone, the animals will almost step on you before they notice the danger and run. These clothes have the same effect on any map, environment and vegetation, as opposed to certain camouflage clothes which only unfold their advantages when in certain areas such as forests, but provide zero camouflage otherwise.

*Scent Eliminator and Wind Indicator*

This species has a sense of smell and will detect players around them. Especially when upwind, you will see close-by animals stick their nose into the wind, then run away. The  Scent Eliminator works against all animals with a sense of smell. Apply it when you want to get close to the animal of your choice. Also, make sure to pay attention to the wind direction by observing objects tossed around or by using  Wind Indicator. Use it and follow the smoke with your eyes to see in which direction it is blown. As a general rule of thumb, the wind will blow towards the North-East on all maps. If you are not sure about the wind conditions, apply the  Scent Eliminator just in case. It doesn't hurt to use it once too often if you want to be on the safe side and not regularly spook animals by your smell.

*Searching*

Weight correlates strongly with the score. Follow tracks from heavy bulls.

*Luring*

Use the  Elk "Bugle" Caller to lure the Roosevelt Elk. This caller has the same luring effect for both males and females. In addition it also provokes vocal responses. Use this caller regularly and listen out for any activity. Responses can be from males and females. Note that the elk bugle caller has a rather short luring effect, call the animals in short frequencies. They can lose interest quickly otherwise, abort their strolling towards you, and walk away. You cannot over-call. You may also use  Roosevelt Elk Urine Spray which lasts a lot longer and lets you safely move into a hiding place or  stand.

*Field Judging*

Look for large antlers with long points. Pay attention to the crown points, i.e. the points on the backward extension of the main beams. When luring in elk groups, look out for other males before taking a shot on the first spotted.

*Dealing with groups (herds, packs, flocks)*

If you fancy shooting any gender, roam around and look for their tracks or listen for their calls. If you are after the big male, leave signs of females behind and keep going until you find the according presence of males. When you encounter a group, check the map and look for a good ambushing location.  Call from a 30-50m (100-165 ft.) of your hiding spot or use  scent spray if available, then move there and wait. If the group has a big male, it can be the first animal to react to the lure just as much as the last. It is therefore important to always be patient and try to spot all animals in the group before taking a shot. Spotting all animals also has the positive side effect of increasing your  spotting skill for this species.

*Shooting the animal*

The shot must be well prepared. Search a good place where you can stay undetected. Avoid hasty shots. A good  spotting skill  will support you picking the right animal if there are severals. Wait until the animal of your choice has come close enough for a good shot, or until you can safely hit a vital from the side. It is not always possible to set up an ambush, or to move away on time. Stay alert for other animals (e.g. from a group) that might have come very close to your lure, and make sure to go for a shot before one of these could spook and flush everything around them.

*If the animal flees*

If you spook the animal of your desire, follow the tracks crouching. Use your optics and try to spot it, and also look for tracks or vocal signs. Do not go too fast. The animal can stop fleeing abruptly and return to roaming, and the roaming can be in any direction including coming right back at you. If you end up bumping into the animal it will flee again. Take your time. If the animal is worth it, a few more minutes will pay off.

### Quick Start Locations

Start at the following lodge(s) for quickly finding this species.

 Highland
 Darkwood

### Featured Redfeather Elk Route

This is a possible route with a lot of Roosevelt Elk activity. The size of the animal icons represents the chances for the different species in the area to occur.

## Organs and Bones

2 = Brain
3 = Neck bone 1
4 = Neck bone 2
5 = Neck bone 3
6 = Spine bone 1
7 = Shoulder bone
8 = Spine bone 2
9 = Spine bone 3
10 = Hip bone
11 = Heart
12 = Lungs
13 = Liver
14 = Stomach
15 = Intestines
16 = Body

## In-Game Photos

Male CommonMale PiebaldMale AlbinoMale MelanisticFemale CommonFemale PiebaldFemale AlbinoFemale MelanisticBull herdEarly rack version