There is no shortage of impressive wildlife in Northern Arizona, but perhaps the most majestic animal that you have a good chance of encountering is the elk. Also known by the Shawnee word wapiti, meaning “white rump,” these animals are respected as bringers of endurance and strength by native peoples and revered by modern hunters and animal enthusiasts.
History of Elk in Northern Arizona
Though the ponderosa and piñon-juniper forests of Northern Arizona are great places to find and observe elk, the animals we see today are not actually native to the area. Rocky Mountain Elk were transplanted in Northern Arizona from Yellowstone National Park in the early 1900s. Arizona’s current elk population, comprised of descendants of said transplants, is thriving at an estimated 35,000.
Elk Info
Elk are herbivores that can live 10-13 years in the wild and up to 20 in captivity. Part of the cervid family, elk fall between the size of a deer and a moose; at shoulder height males are about 5 feet, but a healthy set of antlers can add another several feet to an already impressive stature making them some of the largest land animals in the United States right up there with bison and several species of bear. Males (bulls) typically weigh over 700 pounds, females (cows) over 500.
These impressive mammals are migratory and prefer to live in and at the edges of forests and meadows. Bulls tend to live alone or in groups with other eligible bachelors while cows and their calves and yearlings form herds (or gangs, according to the US Geological Survey). In the fall, during a period called the rut, males compete for the cows’ attention through bugling, rubbing the ground and trees with their antlers, and aggressive posturing toward other males. They eventually gather small groups of cows and calves called harems for mating.
Where to See Elk in Northern Arizona
As we mentioned, ponderosa and piñon-juniper forests and nearby meadows are ideal places to see elk in their natural habitat. But it’s not uncommon to see herds in rural inhabited areas or even in your backyard if there is decent vegetation. Some great places to view elk in Northern Arizona are Williams and Flagstaff and their surrounding areas, specifically Rogers Lake, Mormon Lake, and even Grand Canyon National Park.
And, of course, there’s Backland. Located just outside of Williams, our property is the perfect mix of woods and meadows for observing wildlife, and elk are frequent visitors. The sliding glass doors of our glamping tents offer front row seating for animal observation, and guests can check out binoculars for distance viewing.
How to View Elk Responsibly
Do so quietly and from a distance without disturbing the animals or their surroundings. This is as much for your safety as theirs. When observing elk, especially from a distance, it’s easy to think that they are docile, even skittish. But in certain situations, and particularly during certain times of the year, elk can be quite dangerous to humans, so it’s important to observe and interact with wildlife responsibly.
Calving Season
Spring is calving season, with calves being born in late May, early June. Elk calves spend their first several weeks in hiding while their mothers feed nearby—emphasis on nearby. Never approach or touch a calf, as its mother is never far away and will do whatever necessary to protect her young.
Mating Season
Males should be avoided especially in late summer/early fall during mating season. Bulls at this time are full of testosterone and often engaging in territory wars to impress the ladies. Their aggressive behavior toward one another will extend to humans if you interfere, so let them strut their stuff without an audience so as not to end up on the business end of a full set of antlers. Binoculars or a telephoto lens are great tools for safely viewing wildlife.
Elk in National Parks
National and State Parks have specific rules on how to observe and protect wildlife, so be sure to read up before you visit. For example, Grand Canyon National Park advises that you keep a safe distance of at least 100 feet, and never try to pet or feed an elk. They are becoming somewhat of an invasive species in the park, and because millions of tourists visit every year, the animals have lost much of their fear of people. Just because it’s in a populated area of the park does not mean it’s safe to approach.
Signs of Elk Aggression
You might observe an elk grinding its teeth, laying back its ears or curling its lip if it’s feeling nervous. If threatened, it might circle you or start kicking or charging. Slowly back away and give the animal some space. If one starts chasing you, definitely run away and hide behind the nearest solid barrier like a building, tree or boulder. Chances are the elk is just trying to scare you away and isn’t interested in pursuing for attack.
Other Elk Viewing Options
If you’d rather see elk up close and learn about them at the same time, consider visiting Bearizona or the Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Both have elk in their animal populations as well as knowledgeable staff to answer questions.
Elk Bugling
Even if you don’t see an elk, you just might hear one. As early as late August the males begin their bugling and chuckling, the name for the sharp guttural noises they often add to their haunting mating calls. Bugling for elk is a beloved pastime for some people as they head to nature with store-bought elk bugles and wait for the resonant response to their call.
Elk Shed Hunting in Northern Arizona
Applications for elk hunting permits are usually due in early February, and if you’re drawn for a tag, you’ll be hunting in fall or winter depending on whether it’s an archery or firearm permit. But there’s another type of hunt that has become a time-honored tradition for many in North America, no weapons necessary: shed hunting.
Every spring, bull elk begin growing antlers (not to be confused with horns) made of bone covered with a fuzzy coating full of blood vessels called velvet. With the ability to grow up to an inch a day, antlers are one of the fastest-growing tissues out there. The velvet eventually falls (or is rubbed) off, leaving iconic bony prongs used for protection and mating prowess. After the fall rut, antlers begin to deteriorate and bulls eventually shed them in spring.
What happens to all those shed antlers? Over time they break down and/or provide food for other animals. Or they are collected by shed hunters.
What is Shed Hunting?
Shed hunting is simply the pursuit of naturally shed antlers. For some it’s a great excuse to get some exercise outdoors. For others, it’s a challenging hobby akin to a treasure hunt. Still others are collectors seeking shed to use or sell in everything from art and furniture to dog chews.
Where to Hunt for Elk Shed in Northern Arizona
National Wildlife Refuges and National Parks generally prohibit collection of antlers unless authorized through a special permit, so make sure your hunt doesn’t take you into protected areas or private property unless you have the appropriate permissions. But most public lands such as national forests and BLM properties are fair game for picking up and possessing naturally shed antlers in Arizona. There are even hunting apps that help with mapping appropriate areas and keeping track of places you’ve looked.
When to Hunt for Elk Shed in Northern Arizona
Hunt for elk shed in the spring between mid-February to April. Elk often wait to shed until March, so you’ll likely have better luck closer to April.
How to Look for Elk Shed
Grab your pack, head to the woods and begin your search at one of the following:
Open water/watering holes. Because elk are not native to Northern Arizona, they sometimes struggle in the dry climate and often rely on human-made water sources.
Fence lines. Antlers often fall when the animal is jumping, so along public land fencing can be a great place to look.
Bedding, feeding, and shelter areas as well as game trails. It’s helpful to look for evidence of elk activity such as fresh droppings, tracks, rub markings on trees, or even a musky smell.
Remember that antlers can be heavy and cumbersome, so bring a means for packing them out. And if you’re not familiar with the area, be prepared with maps and appropriate supplies.
What NOT to Do When Shed Hunting
Off-Road
Arizona Game and Fish advises shed hunters to stay on roads and trails when using off-highway vehicles. Off-roading can damage habitats long term and can be especially detrimental if the ground is snowy or muddy. Also, the noise from vehicles can startle animals and even put them on alert to defend their territory.
Approach or Interfere with Wildlife
Hopefully it goes without saying, but never chase or harass an animal in an effort to get it to shed its antlers (or for any other reason). Observe from a distance and leave no trace.
Elk and Driving Safety
Wildlife and vehicles make a dangerous combination. In a comprehensive study performed by Arizona Department of Transportation from 2003-2018 they reported an average of 1,270 wildlife-vehicle collisions per year, and elk accounted for nearly one third of them.
If you happen to see elk or other wildlife near the road, it’s always a good idea to slow down and flash your lights at oncoming traffic so that they’ll do the same. Dusk and dawn are prime times for accidents because low light decreases visibility. Always use your headlights, especially at night, and watch your speed, especially in remote areas.
If you do hit an elk (or any animal, for that matter):
Try to stay calm and pull to the side of the road.
Turn on your hazards and set out warning triangles if you have them.
Do not get too close to the animal, especially if the collision was not fatal. An injured animal might act erratically if it is disoriented, in pain or feels threatened.
Call 911 to report the accident. They will tell you if you need to contact animal or wildlife control.
If you are safe and able, check your vehicle for damage and take pictures to document the accident.
Contact your insurance company if there is damage.
Whatever your interaction with the elk of Northern Arizona, we hope you’ll respect and protect these magnificent creatures so that they can continue to inspire and delight.