Elk, also known as Wapiti, is one of the largest deer species in United States. The only deer species that is bigger is the Moose in North America. Related to the red deer in Europe, Elk is substantial game that can lead to challenging hunting trips.
Elk like to dwell near forest edges and feed on bark, plant life, tree leaves, grass, along with other plants. Elk need about 10-15 pounds of vegetation a day to stay healthy and have been proven to roam a hundred square mile region in the hunt for edible vegetation.
The males are called bulls and the females are cows. The cows average about 500 lbs and the bulls are usually about 25% bigger than the females.
Elk meat is high in protein and is known to taste something between venison and beef. Elk meat is lower in fat than chicken or beef and higher in protein. It is also extremely high in zinc, phosphorus, and iron.
There is a commercial industry for elk. Elk are harvested for velvet that is often used as medicine, and the elk meat is marketed as a specialty for restaurants. A male elk that has been farmed produces up to 25 lbs of velvet yearly. The majority of elk run wild and hunters pay charges to go on trophy hunting excursions. You will find hunts called canned hunts where the elk is kept in a confined or fenced in location allowing an easier hunt. This practice is criticized by animal rights groups and others.
Elk hunting season varies from state to state and is generally a very short time frame. It can generally take an advanced hunter seasons, months, and even years to track elk. Elk can be challenging to locate and are not in the same area long periods of time.
Most of the best elk hunting can be discovered in the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. Make sure to be smart and keep your eyes open, a angry elk isn’t no small deer to play with. With a rack as broad as your car a big elk can inflict some serious damage on you if you get too close.
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