Conservation officials have announced that elk will be reinstated to Missouri within the next few years. The species of elk were very abundant before humans took control of the landscape. Hunted to alongside with the prairie native buffalo, these animals have a new interest with wildlife conservationists.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation are helping states like Missouri reintroduce these animals to select remote counties where in the near future, priced hunts can take place.
Now this does not mean we will see in Platte and Clay counties, elk roaming around any time soon.
“Bringing back Elk will be a long process, we won’t be able to hunt these animals for at least another 10 or so years,” says Justin Rich, avid hunter and conservationist.
These animals are being bred in large ranches in southwest Tennessee. When ready, approximately 150 of these animals will be released to three southeastern counties in Missouri.
Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties were chosen because they lack of development and is the most remote sections of the state. Fewer roads equate to less Elk traffic accidents which will be important because these animals weight anywhere from 1,200 pounds to 2,500 pounds. Any traffic collision with these animals would be a complete catastrophe.
Approximately 250,000 acres will be initially be setup and left for the Elk to roam and reproduce, hopefully repopulating the species numbers. States such as Arkansas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin have been restoring elk to the habits.
Every elk raised on the ranch will get assigned a radio collar, always giving a signal to the Conservation Department of Missouri. The data that will be collected will be able to track the elk’s migration patterns.
Hunters in the near future will be able to have the opportunity to travel to the south eastern part of the state and setup Elk hunts in the Ozark Mountains.
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