Elk, large members of the deer family, are present in Texas, though their history in the state is complex. Their current distribution and management reflect a long story of presence, disappearance, and reintroduction. This article explores their native populations, where they thrive today, and ongoing conservation efforts.
Elk in Texas A Historical Perspective
Texas was once home to native Merriam’s elk (Cervus canadensis merriami), which roamed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Historical and archaeological evidence indicates these native elk were widespread, from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley. However, by 1906, the Merriam’s elk was driven to extinction in the region due to overhunting and habitat degradation. This loss significantly shifted the state’s wildlife landscape.
Reintroduction efforts began in 1928 when rancher J.C. Hunter brought 44 Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni or canadensis) from South Dakota to McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains. The population grew to an estimated 400 individuals by 1939. These reintroduced elk formed the foundation for many free-ranging herds in West Texas today.
Where Elk Live Today in Texas
Today, free-ranging elk populations in Texas are concentrated in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. Herds exist in mountainous areas like the Guadalupe, Glass, Wylie, Davis, and Eagle Mountains. While the Guadalupe Mountains herd remains relatively small, with estimates ranging from 30 to 40 animals, other Trans-Pecos herds have shown significant growth. Free-ranging elk are also observed in parts of the Texas Panhandle.
Beyond wild herds, many elk reside on private ranches across the state, including in the Texas Hill Country and East Texas. These Rocky Mountain elk are often managed for hunting. Some free-ranging individuals in these areas are believed to be descendants of escaped ranch animals.
Elk inhabit open forests and forest-edge environments, grazing on grasses and browsing on higher-growing plants. In the arid Trans-Pecos, their diet includes desert plants like agaves. They often move to lower elevations in winter and higher, cooler areas in summer, with water availability influencing their distribution.
Protecting Texas Elk Populations
The conservation and management of elk in Texas face challenges due to their current legal classification. Despite historical evidence of native populations, the state designates elk as “exotic” or “non-game” animals. This classification results in minimal hunting regulations, often meaning no closed season or bag limit in many areas.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) manages wildlife, but the “exotic” status of elk limits their regulatory oversight compared to native game species. Discussions are ongoing to reclassify elk as a game species, allowing for more structured management. This issue remains contentious, particularly regarding potential competition with native species like desert bighorn sheep for habitat and resources.
Private landowners and conservation organizations, such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, actively protect and manage Texas elk populations. Landowners often implement their own strategies, contributing to local herd health. These efforts are important for sustaining elk in Texas, addressing habitat fragmentation and balancing wildlife needs with agricultural interests.