Elk have a presence in Arkansas’s natural landscapes. While not as widespread as other wildlife, their story in the state stands as a testament to conservation efforts. Observing these animals offers a glimpse into their return to their historic range.
Current Elk Population
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) regularly monitors the state’s elk herd. According to aerial surveys conducted in March 2023, the initial count was 419, a five percent increase from the previous year. These figures are estimates, derived from methods like aerial surveys and ground observations. The AGFC has conducted annual aerial surveys since 1991.
The 2023 increase was a positive development following five years of decreases, partly influenced by management actions related to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Although estimates can vary, other sources have indicated figures around 450 or even up to 650-700 animals.
Where Arkansas Elk Reside
Arkansas’s elk population is concentrated primarily within the Ozark Mountains of the northwestern part of the state. The core elk range encompasses specific counties, including Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton, and Searcy. Most of the free-ranging elk are found within or near the Buffalo National River corridor, particularly in Newton and Searcy counties.
These animals prefer habitats that combine forested areas with interspersed open grasslands or pastures. This type of environment provides both essential cover and ample foraging opportunities. The total area considered elk range in Arkansas spans approximately 315,000 acres, with about 85,000 acres consisting of public land.
History and Management of Elk in Arkansas
Elk were historically present in Arkansas but disappeared from the state by the 1840s. This extirpation was largely due to factors such as overhunting, habitat destruction, and competition with domestic livestock. The native subspecies, the Eastern elk, is now extinct.
An initial reintroduction attempt occurred in 1933 when the USDA Forest Service released 11 elk from Oklahoma in Franklin County. This population grew but eventually vanished by the mid-1950s. The reintroduction effort began in 1981, led by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Between 1981 and 1985, 112 Rocky Mountain elk were brought from Colorado and Nebraska and released in Newton County, near the Buffalo National River. The first calf from this reintroduced herd was born in Arkansas in 1982.
Current management involves various strategies to sustain the population. The AGFC, in collaboration with the National Park Service, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and U.S. Forest Service, implements habitat improvement projects. These efforts include creating food plots and conducting prescribed burns, which help keep elk on public lands and reduce conflicts with private landowners. Regulated hunting programs, established in 1998, also serve as a management tool to control herd size and promote overall herd health, including addressing diseases like CWD. Permits for hunting are issued through a lottery system, with 20 elk harvested during the 2024 season.