Deer Vs. Elk: Know The Difference
Hunters are reminded to be certain of their target this season.
With the archery and crossbow deer seasons underway and the nine-day gun deer season opening soon, it is crucial to remind hunters to be sure of their target before they shoot. Hunters need to understand the difference between elk and white-tailed deer and brush up on the key characteristics of elk.
Antlerless elk can be confused for being large does, and young bull elk may look similar to large bucks. Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of your hunting license.
How To Identify An Elk:
Adult elk are larger than adult deer. An adult elk stands about 1-2 feet taller than an adult deer at the shoulders. An elk calf will be about the same size as an adult white-tailed doe but will display similar coloration to adult elk.
Spot the difference in the antlers. White-tailed antlers curve forward, whereas elk antlers are larger and sweep back from their heads.
Look for color markings. Elk have a tan rump patch, dark legs and a dark brown head and neck. Deer have legs the same color as their bodies, a white throat patch and a fluffy white tail.
Additional markers. Elk moving throughout the state may have noticeable markers, including numeric ear tags or tracking collars. These collars are fixed around the neck and typically orange in color, sometimes with a visible printed number.
Learn about the differences between elk and white-tailed deer below using the DNR’s comparison guide.
Why I Hunt: Meet Steven Kopp
Steven is not only an avid hunter, but he’s also on the state board for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. For him, hunting is a family affair. Here’s Steven’s story.
“I originally wanted to start hunting because my friends would bring in venison jerky and sausage with their lunch to school, and it made me want to take hunters ed, so that I could have my own venison to eat.”
Steven started hunting in 2001 with his family: his dad, uncles and grandpa. In fact, he harvested his first animal – a doe on his family farm – with his grandpa and hunter ed teacher.
“My favorite place to hunt is our family farm, where I have taken my first squirrels, grouse, turkey and deer. I also love being able to hop on the Upper Mississippi Refuge and hunt waterfowl.”
“The thing I love most about hunting is just being in the outdoors and seeing nature come alive around me. It is a peaceful time for me to decompress and enjoy the natural world around me.”
And for Steven, a fruitful harvest is a great reward, but there is more to it than that.
“I hunt for the great source of food I am able to get when I’m successful. Not only that, but the peaceful feeling I get from being in the outdoors is one that brings me back to center and gives me a great appreciation for the natural world around us. The mentors and friends I have made through hunting have built a hunting community that I know brings joy to everyone involved.”
Ready to start hunting? Start here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/GoHunting
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Visit “Screaming Rock”
Take a hike this November at Roche-A-Cri State Park, which comes from French words meaning “screaming rock.”
The park surrounds and protects a 300-foot-high rock outcropping, which 15,000 years ago was a rock island in Glacial Lake Wisconsin. The rock edges are abundant in Native American petroglyphs and pictographs. The artists are believed to be the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk people, and maps are located around the park to help visitors locate carvings and paints on the mound.
More information on Roche-A-Cri State Park can be found on the DNR’s website.
Photo Credit: Aaron Carlson
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Warm Up With Workdays At State Natural Areas
Not interested in deer hunting? Then join volunteers at State Natural Areas across Wisconsin as they hunt down invasive brush.
No skills are needed as you will be trained onsite, but volunteers are required to RSVP for each event.
KOHLER PARK DUNES | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 9-11 a.m.
Kohler Park Dunes is known for its scenic Lake Michigan shoreline and the rare great lakes dune plant community. It is home to several threatened plants. And of course the scenic views! We will be helping take care of the site by removing invasive honeysuckle that threatens to change the dunes. Join us for a good way to get exercise and do something meaningful for a special site.
Click this link to access directions to the meetup location.
For questions or to RSVP please message Mollie Mechenich at [email protected] or 920-980-9054, and make sure to provide your phone number so you can receive text alerts if there is a cancellation.
Workdays are on the first Saturday and third Thursday of the month.
CHIWAUKEE PRAIRIE | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Help Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund volunteers care for Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area during our monthly workdays on the third Saturday. Enjoy the beauty of this rich prairie! We will start the invasive brush season off strong by hunting up some buckthorn with the first workday of the winter season.
Click this link to access directions to the meetup location and contact information.
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