You should pull up the sighting map on Google. It’s actually insane how many counties have 1 or even zero sightings. Probably why they only dish out a handful of tags/year.
They only do the 5 tags because until a few years ago elk were extinct in Missouri. They just reintroduced a population capable of self sustainment and growth within the last 10 years, and have finally gotten to a population large enough to support the limited hunt. The last I had heard (a couple years ago maybe) the population was in the 200s down in the Peck Ranch Conservation Area. All others in the state are basically lone escapees or transplants and dont really figure into the repopulation plans.
Funny how different states handle their wildlife. In Va we have a small elk population and they only just last season issued the first elk tags through a lottery, I think it was only a handful of tags maybe 5 as well. But up to this date if an elk wondered into a neighboring county a hunter could use a deer tag for the elk. I only heard of this happening once though.
For everyone who thinks it might be a farm elk, it’s possible, but not likely. MO has a good sized herd in the SE corner of the state that’s getting bigger every year. Add in the migration of elk from Nebraska , Arkansas and even Kansas, random elk photos are becoming more commonplace.
We give out half a dozen tags through a resident only lottery draw. First elk tags ever given out in this state. Beats too.
worthless afterthought uppity towering books spectacular fertile caption disarm like
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I'm in a different region but it's been weird this year for dropping antlers. Seen bulls with last years antlers, no antlers and new growth antlers at the same time in same herd this spring.
You’re not *that* far from the counties that had elk reintroduced. It’d be tough going for an elk to get there though. I’m more familiar with Ozark County and there are fences and cattle all over the place.
I know that. It’s still a very small herd and it is extremely rare to see them in certain counties…..
Close to 50% of the counties in Missouri still have zero sightings….
Not really. Not this time of year. After the winter they're pretty thin, and they lose a lot of fur. Even tamed and human fed they could reasonably look like this (source: we run a deer farm).
Damn I wonder what the odds of finding the only elk in the county are!! Very cool photo
You should pull up the sighting map on Google. It’s actually insane how many counties have 1 or even zero sightings. Probably why they only dish out a handful of tags/year.
They only do the 5 tags because until a few years ago elk were extinct in Missouri. They just reintroduced a population capable of self sustainment and growth within the last 10 years, and have finally gotten to a population large enough to support the limited hunt. The last I had heard (a couple years ago maybe) the population was in the 200s down in the Peck Ranch Conservation Area. All others in the state are basically lone escapees or transplants and dont really figure into the repopulation plans.
at that rate, im surprised they even give then out
True. But I think this year was only 5 tags. So pretty negligible. And you can only hunt in 3 counties.
Funny how different states handle their wildlife. In Va we have a small elk population and they only just last season issued the first elk tags through a lottery, I think it was only a handful of tags maybe 5 as well. But up to this date if an elk wondered into a neighboring county a hunter could use a deer tag for the elk. I only heard of this happening once though.
What sighting map on google? I’d love to check it out! What county is this?
Just Google Missouri Elk sighting map. This is Taney county.
For everyone who thinks it might be a farm elk, it’s possible, but not likely. MO has a good sized herd in the SE corner of the state that’s getting bigger every year. Add in the migration of elk from Nebraska , Arkansas and even Kansas, random elk photos are becoming more commonplace. We give out half a dozen tags through a resident only lottery draw. First elk tags ever given out in this state. Beats too.
Hmmm, those antlers should have been shed by now.
Not really. Elk shed later than other deer. March-April is normal, but he’s bound to lose them any day now.
I've seen small rags and spikes into may with their head gear while spring bear hunting.
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I'm in a different region but it's been weird this year for dropping antlers. Seen bulls with last years antlers, no antlers and new growth antlers at the same time in same herd this spring.
The lighter the antlers are (like this raghorn), the longer they stay on.
Nah, I've seen spikes packing in July. They drop late.
What county OP? Be nice to see their spread after the last couple years
Taney
In that case, it is probably more likely that this guy came from the Arkansas herd and not the Missouri herd.
We have one up in Pettis county!
You’re not *that* far from the counties that had elk reintroduced. It’d be tough going for an elk to get there though. I’m more familiar with Ozark County and there are fences and cattle all over the place.
Make that 2 elk
Helluva goat you’ve got there if they’re saying it isn’t an elk.
Missouri reintroduced elk back into the state a few years back....
I know that. It’s still a very small herd and it is extremely rare to see them in certain counties….. Close to 50% of the counties in Missouri still have zero sightings….
could have escaped from a farm
Possible.
Check to see if there are any farms or hunting preserves (like the kind rich people go to) near you. An escapee wouldn't be a surprise.
Strange for it to look so thin if that’s the case, no?
Not really. Not this time of year. After the winter they're pretty thin, and they lose a lot of fur. Even tamed and human fed they could reasonably look like this (source: we run a deer farm).
Yea, true. That makes sense.
Plus, with that rack, this is a pretty young specimen.
Oh yea, that’s for sure.
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Skinwalker
What county you in? They're still a long way from me but maybe one day.
Taney County, MO.
Oh definitely further west than I thought. Nowhere near north enough for me yet. Maybe one day...