The elk (Cervus canadensis) is the second-largest member of the deer family in North America, known for its size and the impressive antlers of the mature males. While often associated with western mountain states, a healthy and growing population exists in Oklahoma. These herds are a conservation success story, having been reintroduced to their native range after a long absence.
History and Status of Oklahoma Elk
Elk were native to Oklahoma, but unregulated hunting and settlement resulted in their complete disappearance by the late 1800s. They were considered extirpated, meaning the species no longer existed in its historical range. Conservation efforts began to restore the population in the early 20th century.
The current herds were established in 1911, when Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) were transported from Wyoming to the Wichita Mountains National Forest and Game Preserve. This reintroduction was a significant step in the state’s wildlife restoration movement. Subsequent transplants in the late 1960s and early 1970s moved elk from the Wichita Mountains herd to various eastern Oklahoma locations.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation estimates the statewide population is approximately 5,000 free-ranging elk. These herds have expanded their range and are now documented in nearly half of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. The largest concentrations remain centered in the southwestern part of the state, but significant populations are also found in the forested regions of the east.
Key Locations for Viewing
The most reliable location for viewing elk is the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (WMWR) in southwestern Oklahoma. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this area is home to the state’s largest and oldest established herd. Elk often frequent the open prairie and mixed-grass areas within the refuge, especially near water sources during dawn and dusk.
Within the WMWR, visitors should focus on the eastern side of the refuge, particularly around French Lake and the main scenic drive. These open habitats offer the best chance for spotting elk grazing alongside the bison herds. The refuge also occasionally offers guided bus tours during the fall, which can increase the probability of viewing the animals.
A smaller elk population exists in the eastern portion of the state, primarily concentrated within the Cookson Hills and Pushmataha Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). This region features a mixed oak-hickory and pine forest ecosystem. Elk here tend to be more elusive, utilizing dense cover, and are typically sighted in forest openings or along utility rights-of-way that provide grazing opportunities.
Responsible Viewing and Safety Guidelines
Observing elk requires patience and an understanding of their behavior and seasonal patterns. The fall mating season, known as the rut, is the best time for viewing due to increased activity and the distinct bugling calls of the bulls. Bulls are more visible and vocal from late September through October as they defend their harems of cows.
Calving season occurs primarily in May and June and is another period of high visibility. Cow elk are highly protective of their newborn calves during this time. Maintain a significant distance from all elk, especially lone females or bulls during the rut, as they can be unpredictable and aggressive.
Viewers should always remain inside their vehicles when watching elk in protected areas like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. When viewing on foot in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) or other public lands, a distance of at least 100 yards is recommended. Elk in Oklahoma are non-migratory, inhabiting the same general area year-round.