Vagabond Tales- Almost Get Skunked Hunting Elk

April 30, 2022

Somewhere between 2012 and 2014, 71 elk were relocated to Buchanan County from the Rocky Mountains. They have largely remained where they were released and have grown to a herd of almost 400. Interstate Breaks State Park takes visitors out every Saturday for a bag lunch dinner and to see if the majestic animals can be spotted. The elk management has been trying to eradicate the Autumn Olive invasive shrub that has taken over the hillsides! We saw a lot of earth moving equipment and huge hills that had been reseeded with wild grasses elk love to eat. This herd is not fed by the forestry service but must be able to sustain themselves on what the land can provide.

The whole 30- 45 minute ride to see the elk, we were regaled with pictures and stories of full 100 count herds and large bull elk stories and photos from last fall’s treks. I say…go in the fall for up close and personal pictures of elk. In the spring, they seem to be more skittish and focused on calving and the bulls are shedding their large antlers so aren’t as impressive.