Elk Facts

Elk are one of the most majestic animals in North America. They are native to Ontario.
Their native name is “wapiti” meaning white rump.
Elk belong to the deer family, also known as cervidae. Other members of the cervidae family are moose, caribou, white-tailed deer and mule deer. All these species have the common trait of an even number of toes.
Elk males are called bulls; females are called cows, and babies are called calves.
Bulls weigh, on average 700 - 900 lbs; cows average 500-600 lbs, and calves average 35 lbs. at birth
Elk are intelliegent - protection of their young against dogs and coyotes comes naturally!
Cows can breed at 18 months of age and will breed up to 15 years of age, some even up to 20 years
Cows pregnancy will last between 245-255 days and some as late as 270 days
Elk calves are normally born in May or June with white spots and a tan rump. Twins are very rare.
In their first year of life, a calf will gain over 300 lbs!
Antlers, which only grow on bulls, are shed every Spring.
Antlers can grow from 1 in. to 1½ inch in just a single day. The amount of antler growth is regulated by the length of daylight
As the antler grows, it is soft with a hair-like covering called velvet.
In the first 75 days of growth, a domestic elk may produce as much as 20 to 40 pounds of new antler tissue
Elk velvet has been used in traditional redemies for centuries.
Elk meat promotes a flavorful, fat free & low cholesterol, diet (see nutrition facts).