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Rocky Mountain Elk

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Category:	NORTH AMERICA
Page Views:	520 views
Last Update:	3 year(s) ago
Added on:	November 12, 2008

deer Elk

	mikniknar November 19, 2008
	GerardG November 20, 2008
	RoryScheepers November 27, 2008
	Kimberly December 1, 2008
	Danno December 17, 2008
	DavidC729 January 15, 2009
	Moosecaller January 29, 2009
	rvogel March 25, 2009
	WAPITIKILLER March 31, 2009
	Jake April 30, 2009
	TDOG May 28, 2009
	DAFerguson July 20, 2010

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Latin Name:	Cervus elaphus nelsoni
Other Names:	Elk are sometimes also called Wapiti.
Physical Characteristics:	The Elk is one of the largest deer species in the world. Bulls are around 700lbs in weight and cows approximately 500lbs. Male Elk have large antlers which are shed and grow back every year. Females do not grow antlers. Males engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling and bugling, a loud series of screams which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females. The bugle call is one of the most distinctive calls in nature. There are four different sub-species of Elk found in North America. The Rocky Mountain Elk is one of the four sub-species and has the widest range of all Elk species.
Distribution:	In North America Elk have adapted to almost all the eco systems and are highly adaptable. Typically they are found in forest and forest edge habitat similar to other deer species. In mountainous country they are found at higher altitudes in the summer and migrate down in the winter when they are driven down by snow. The Rocky Mountain sub-species have been re-introduced by various conservation and pro-hunting organizations to several American states such as Kentucky, North Carolina and Pennsylvania to name a few states where they have been non existent for many years. These populations have thrived and hunting seasons are now in place, even though the chances of drawing a tag is very slim in these states.

Hunting Method:	Typical hunting method for Elk is spotting and stalking. Calling and bugling during or around the time of the rut is also a very productive way to bag a good trophy bull. Most archery hunts happen at the time of the rut and bow hunters are fortunate to make use of this time to trick a big bull into close archery range. Ambushing Elk on their way to their feeding or bedding area is also a well known and practiced method. In warmer climates during the early season, lying in wait near a watering hole or a wallow can also produce a shooting opportunity. Elk hunts are typically physically demanding hunts, so hunters in good shape have the best chance of bagging a good trophy.
The Shot:	While most Elk ultimately are shot at less than 200 yards distance, be prepared for a longer shot. How far a shot one should take depends upon your personal ability. Shooting Elk at extreme ranges as practiced by trick shooters and other sharp shooters is unsporting and not ethical hunting. Wind can play a big factor at long ranges and if the animal is not mortally hit or does not drop in its tracks, a follow up shot may not always be possible, leaving one with a long follow up or worse still a lost animal. As with most species of deer Elk are wary animals and the ability to take a quick shot through an opening in the timber is often the difference between coming home with an Elk or not. So practice shooting from different positions off the bench. As with most deer species a lung shot just behind the shoulder or a shot through the shoulder with a large enough caliber and a tough bullet will anchor an elk. If facing directly at you, shoot at the base of the neck into the chest. Taking badly angled shots on an unwounded animal is not ethical and should not be taken. With perseverance another shot will present itself.
Calibers:	While many many Elk have been killed using light rifles. They are large, tenacious animals. It is therefore wise to use a caliber such as a 30-06 or larger. If we are to select one caliber, the 338 Winchester Magnum is probably the perfect Elk caliber. It is a flat shooting cartridge which shoots a 250 grain bullet that will drop any Elk in its tracks.
Ammunition:	Using a good premium factory loading or hand load with a premium bullet such as a Nosler Partition, Swift A Frame, Barnes bullet is recommended. An Elk is a large animal with big bones and lots of muscle and hide that the bullet needs to penetrate through to reach the vitals. In the minimum calibers such as a 30-06 be sure to use a heavier weight of bullet such as a 180 grain bullet over a 150 grain bullet.

Taxidermy:

A shoulder mount makes a handsome trophy.

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