Elk currently roam the landscapes of Arkansas, a significant wildlife success story. Once absent, these magnificent animals have been successfully reintroduced, contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity and offering unique viewing opportunities.
Elk in Arkansas: A Story of Return
Elk were once native to Arkansas, with the Eastern elk subspecies inhabiting the region before the mid-19th century. By the 1840s, elk had disappeared from the state, primarily due to overhunting, habitat destruction, and competition with domestic livestock. This extirpation left Arkansas without its largest native wild mammal for over a century.
A modern reintroduction effort began in 1981, spearheaded by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Between 1981 and 1985, 112 Rocky Mountain elk were sourced from southwestern Colorado and western Nebraska. These elk were released in Newton County, near the Buffalo National River, marking a new chapter for the species in Arkansas.
The reintroduction aimed to restore a native herbivore to the ecosystem, recognizing their role in shaping natural habitats. Initial concerns existed about how the Rocky Mountain elk would adapt to Arkansas’s heat and humidity. Despite these concerns, the herd adapted well, with the first elk calf born in Arkansas in 1982.
Where Arkansas’s Elk Roam Today
Arkansas’s elk population is primarily concentrated in the northwestern part of the state, particularly within the Buffalo National River corridor. They are found across portions of six counties: Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton, and Searcy. Most elk reside within or near the Buffalo National River in Newton and Searcy counties, spanning approximately 67 miles of the river’s upper and middle sections.
Elk prefer open areas for grazing, often adjacent to wooded areas that provide cover and resting spots. This includes habitat types such as fields, reclaimed old fields, and areas with cool-season grasses and legumes. While sightings have been documented in other counties, breeding populations are largely confined to this core six-county region.
The current elk population in Arkansas is estimated to be around 450 to 650 animals. Recent aerial surveys in early 2023 indicated a count of 419 elk, representing a slight increase from previous years. This population size supports both wildlife viewing and regulated hunting opportunities.
Popular viewing locations include Boxley Valley, particularly along Arkansas Highways 43 and 21, where elk frequently graze in open pastures. Dawn and dusk are often the best times to observe them, especially during the breeding season in late September and early October when bulls bugle. These areas, including the Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area, offer opportunities for observing these animals.
Conservation and Management Efforts
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) leads the conservation and management of the state’s elk population. These efforts focus on sustaining a healthy elk herd while addressing potential challenges. Habitat improvement projects are a central component of these initiatives.
Habitat management includes creating and maintaining wildlife openings, planting specific cool-season grasses and legumes, and implementing prescribed burns. These activities enhance forage availability and overall habitat quality, helping to keep elk on public lands and minimize issues on private properties. Funding is also available to landowners interested in improving elk habitat on their property.
Population monitoring is conducted through various methods, including aerial surveys and tracking non-hunting mortalities. This data helps biologists assess herd health, growth trends, and bull-to-cow ratios. The AGFC aims to maintain a stable population that offers both recreational value and ecological benefits.
Regulations related to elk include a limited hunting season, which began in 1998, managed through a permit system. Public land permits are awarded through a random draw, with a small number available annually. Private land elk permits are also available, often on a quota system, requiring landowner permission.
Hunters must adhere to specific rules, including mandatory check-ins, reporting harvested elk within 12 hours, and submitting samples for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing. These measures ensure responsible harvest and contribute to disease surveillance efforts. The elk season typically occurs in October, with specific dates varying by year and hunting zone.