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One of the most magnificent mammals of North America, elk, or
"wapiti," roam in herds through the pine forests of northern Arizona
mountains. The mating call, or bugling, of bull elk in the early fall is a
sound, once heard, is never forgotten.
 Description: One of the largest Arizona mammals
(second only to bison), elk have a tawny brown body with a cream-colored rump
patch and dark brown neck and head. Bull elk can reach approximately 4-5 feet
in height at the shoulder and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Female elk (cows)
are generally smaller, do not grow antlers, and as adults, weigh approximately
500 pounds.
Habitat: Elk prefer pine and mixed conifer forests
with interspersed meadows in the summer, and open foothills and pinyon-juniper
areas in winter.
Food Preferences: A grazing animal, elk feed
on grasses, sedges, and new tree growth (particularly aspens and willows) as
well as shrubs and weeds.
Breeding notes: Normal breeding
period is September-October, with bugling starting in late August. Calves are
born in May or June. The average cow elk gives birth to one calf. Bull elk
guard their "harem" of cows during the breeding season, often showing displays
of aggression to other bulls who attempt to attract a cow from its harem.
Predators or Enemies: Mountain Lion and Coyote
Size
Individual Range: 20-30 square miles
Distribution: 6,000-10,000 in Northern Arizona
Hunting hints: It's best to scout prior to hunting season. Scouting is
most successful in the early morning and late evening. Look for signs of tracks
and scat. A U.S. Forest Service Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests map is
essential. Use binoculars to glass a large area from a high point.
 Information courtesy Arizona Game & Fish Department, Region
1-Pinetop,AZ
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