Elk roaming Northern Arizona

The Majestic Elk were at one time the most widely distributed member of the deer family in North America. It is estimated that there were an estimated to total of 10 million Elk before European man arrived in what was to become the United States. The great reduction in elk numbers is attributable to market hunting and agriculture. A population low of 90,000 occurred in 1922, of these, 40,000 were in Yellowstone Park. The Park's herds became a reservoir for stocking breeding elk. Between 1912 and 1967 more than 13,500 elk were transplanted from the Park. In February 1913, 83 elk were released in Cabin Draw near Chevelon Creek. From these transplants the Arizona elk population has grown to nearly 35,000 animals. It is a marvelous feeling to travel Northern Arizona and be privileged to see the single majestic bull elk or the herd of 100 mixed cows and bulls. You don’t even have to be out in the undeveloped areas around Flagstaff. On numerous occasions I have walked down to retrieve my morning newspaper and walked very close to a 1200 pound bull elk. This winter there was mixed herd of at least 80 elk camped on a slope 100 yards from the end of my driveway. What a wonderful place, Flagstaff!