Elk Conservation and Management -- Part 2

Description

The average elk ranges in length from nose to tail from 80 to 100 inches, or about 7 feet long (Murie 1957). Its height at the shoulder is between 49-59 inches, which is about 4-5 feet, although they have been known to be 5 or more inches above that (Rue 1981). The average weight for an adult elk ranges between 400 and 800 lbs., although they've been found over 1,000 lbs. (Rue 1981).

The elk's antlers grow very fast, with a growing period between 90 and 140 days (Rue 1981). The larger the antlers, the longer it takes for them to finish growing. Growth is controlled by testosterone, and prompted by the photoperiod (Onedale 1993). Antlers begin growing in the spring - late April to early May, and are covered in velvet as they grow (Onedale 1993). The velvet dries up, and antlers begin to harden in August (Thomas et al. 1982). They strip the velvet by rubbing on trees or rocks. Finally, the antlers are dropped in late winter, and the cycle begins again.

The elk's teeth are unusual because, unlike any other North American deer they have upper canines (Rue 1981). The Indians highly valued these canines, using them for jewelry, and as a measure of wealth (Thomas et al. 1982).

Mating Behavior One behavior of interest is the rutting season, which takes place in the fall (Rue 1981). It is during this time only that elk's will bugle, with the intensity of the bugling as a good indication of rutting activity (Rue 1981). At this time the elk's antlers have lost their velvet, are fully grown and sharp but they only occasionally use their antlers to fight or gore an opponent (Onedale 1993). Mostly they use intimidation to chase competitors away from their harem of cows (Rue 1981).

Around Sept. the bull elk's neck becomes engorged with blood, and remains swelled for several months, throughout the entire rutting season (Rue 1981). Bulls, usually those older than 2 years will make wallows (Rue 1981). They dig up areas of mud, and roll in it, until their back is caked with mud.

At the end of the rutting season, the bulls are left tired, and depleted of energy. They've exhausted themselves by keeping constant guard over their harems (Onedale 1993). Even though, the bull's liver is able to store fat reserves, becoming up to ½ fat, there is still a huge drain on the animal (Lapinski et al. 1987). These older, larger bulls are then, set up for higher winter mortality (Lapinski et al. 1987). The younger bulls that haven't established their own harems are left in pretty good shape. So as far as elk go, taking the bigger bulls, especially before a hard winter, probably isn't a bad idea.

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