Elk genetics?

[BowGuy84]

So for years I have watched and learned from discussions on why big deer come from where they do and how soil, sub species and regs contribute to the incredible harvest differentials.

Are the the same factors for elk? Id imaagine so. Where are the best places for a big elk and why?

 

[AT Hiker]

Crazy enough, some of the biggest Elk come from semi-arid to high elevation deserts. Im am not exactly sure on Elk genetics, but like mule deer and other western species they are EXTREMELY sensitive to weather conditions, like mule deer can loose 30-50" if its a drought or hard winter (thats on the extreme end).

If you go to the Smokies you can see 350" bulls, I have seen a 400" bull in Yellowstone. These animals of course have it a little better than other Elk, but some of the biggest come from New Mexico.

There is a high fence location in Canada, that hunters can only shoot 400" or bigger Elk.

So you see just like deer, Elk seem to sensitive to the enviroment as well. But gentics seem to show through a little better than they do in deer. This is of course my opinion, with a little bit of experience.

 

[Doskil]

Some of the biggest elk right now are coming from Pennsylvania of all places.

 

[tickweed]

many say Kentucky will throw the next record

 

[megalomaniac]

same as whitetails... age, genetics, and nutrition.... need all 3 to grow the massive bulls or bucks.