Elk

One of Eastern Idaho’s most notable wildlife is the elk, or wapiti. This majestic species is one of the largest in the deer family and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in North America. Males stand a towering nearly five feet tall at their shoulder and weigh upwards of 700 pounds, while females are just over four feet and 500-plus pounds. Their copper brown to light tan hair and light beige rump are the perfect camouflage for fall, dry conditions.

Idaho boasts an impressive elk population. The Idaho elk hunter can pursue bulls that vanish like ghosts in the sagebrush deserts, chase herds in the lung-busting climbs of the mountains, or stalk the thick-timbered ridges.

Over-the-counter tags allow family and friends to hunt together while enjoying the challenge and serenity of exploring varied terrain and the thrill of the pursuit. Elk hunting is managed in twenty-eight zones with two tag systems: Tag A offers muzzleloader and archery hunting for a bull or cow in early season, and Tag B provides opportunities for any weapon hunters (rifle) for a cow elk in the late season.

Did You Know?

• Elk are herbivores and eat close to fifteen pounds of food per day.

• Males, called bulls, tend to be lighter in color than females, or cows, providing for good camouflage.

• In the spring, elk herds migrate to higher elevations and spend their summer in the mountains. In the fall when the snow begins to fall, elk move to the valleys. Fall is also mating season.