Elk are present in Kansas today, roaming parts of the state. These large members of the deer family were once a common sight across the landscape but disappeared for an extended period. Conservation efforts have allowed elk to return, establishing populations in specific regions of Kansas.
Historical Presence and Disappearance
Elk were a natural component of the Kansas ecosystem during the 1800s, with their range extending throughout the state. Early settler and Native American accounts confirm their presence. Native American tribes utilized them for meat, tools, and hides.
By the late 19th century, elk populations in Kansas faced significant decline. Unregulated hunting contributed to their rapid reduction. The expansion of agriculture led to widespread habitat loss and modification, further pushing elk out of their traditional territories. By around 1890, free-ranging elk were considered extirpated, meaning they had vanished from the state.
Return to Kansas
A small captive herd was introduced to the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in central Kansas in 1951, serving as a source for future reintroductions. The first major reintroduction of free-ranging elk occurred in 1981, when animals from Maxwell were released onto the Cimarron National Grassland in southwestern Kansas.
A second free-ranging herd was established starting in 1986 at the Fort Riley Military Installation in northeastern Kansas. Fifty-four elk were released at Fort Riley, with additional animals brought in from other states. These reintroduction programs, along with natural dispersal from neighboring states, have contributed to the gradual return and increase of elk populations in Kansas.
Where Elk Live in Kansas
Today, the primary wild, free-ranging elk populations in Kansas are centered around the Fort Riley Military Installation in the northeastern part of the state and the Cimarron National Grassland in the southwest. Fort Riley, covering approximately 101,000 acres, provides extensive tallgrass prairie and some riparian woodland areas, which serve as suitable habitat for elk. While the Cimarron herd is smaller, elk from Fort Riley have shown a tendency to disperse widely.
Individual elk and small groups are occasionally sighted across other parts of the state, indicating a broader distribution. These wandering elk have been observed in numerous counties, sometimes appearing in unexpected areas, including the edges of urban centers. This expansion highlights the adaptability of elk to various landscapes, including remote areas, river valleys, and large tracts of grassland or timber outside the main herd locations.
Managing Elk Populations
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) actively manages the state’s elk populations. This management involves monitoring herd sizes and distribution to ensure their health and address potential conflicts, such as crop damage on private lands. The KDWPT also regulates hunting opportunities, primarily through a limited lottery system for residents, especially for the Fort Riley herd.
These regulated hunts help manage population numbers and provide incentives for landowners to tolerate elk on their property. Conservation organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation also collaborate with state agencies to enhance elk habitat and support population growth. While public viewing opportunities exist, particularly at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, visitors are encouraged to observe elk respectfully.