![]() ![]() Adult (2+ years): 450-1100 pounds (200-500 kg) Weight of Elk Subspeciesīelow is the weight of six elk subspecies: Tule Elkįound in California, Tule elk are smaller compared to other subspecies.Here is a general breakdown of elk weights by age: Average Weight of an Elk by AgeĮlk weight can change drastically as they grow and mature. Genetics play a role in determining the size and weight of an elk, with some being predisposed to grow larger or smaller than average, depending on their genetic makeup. Elk that live in rich, abundant habitats tend to be heavier than those living in more challenging environments. The habitat in which elk live can also affect their weight, as it influences the availability and quality of food sources. An elk with access to abundant, nutrient-rich food sources will typically weigh more than an elk in an area with scarce resources. Elk primarily feed on grasses, shrubs, and tree bark. The quality and quantity of food available to elk can significantly impact their weight. This usually happens around age 7 to 8 in males and age 2-14 in females. These include: AgeĪs elk age, their weight typically increases until they reach their prime, after which it may begin to decline. There are several factors that can influence the weight of an elk. Let’s delve straight in! Factors Affecting An Elk’s Weight Female elks, on the other hand, have an average weight of 550 pounds. It attains this size at about 7 years of age this is the largest size. In general, an adult male elk, also known as a bull, weighs around 700-1,100 pounds. Well, the exact size depends on a few factors such as the gender, age, and species. ![]() If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how heavy an elk is. I still wonder how they are able to carry their thick, heavy bodies on those slender, short legs. But when you see them, it is difficult not to marvel at their incredible size (and antlers, if it’s a bull elk). The Rocky Mountain elk is truly a magnificent big game animal and one that should be up there towards the top of your list.Elks are not a common sight, even in the wild. Grizzly and black bears take their toll on elk calves in the spring and wolves can be particularly hard on elk over the winter months. This is because elk are considerably larger in size than deer and they are better able to handle the deep snow of winter. A harsh winter does not have the devastating effect on elk like it does deer. Elk are very strong and adaptable animals and flourish in nearly any area from the high alpine mountains to the hot, dry deserts. I often see more trophy class elk than I do mule deer on a yearly basis. Getting the opportunity to see a large bull is not that uncommon as most of the limited entry units are managed for quality and contain lots of big bulls. Arizona has been coming on strong in the typical category and should top Montana in the not too distant future. According to the Boone & Crockett Club, the following is a list of the Top-5 States for both the typical and non-typical categories of Rocky Mountain elk including the county with the most entries listed after each state:Īs you can see Montana, Arizona, and Utah are at the top of both lists. In many states, the best trophy elk are found in very hard to draw limited entry units which can take many years of applying to finally draw a tag, but many great trophy bulls are also harvested in some of the general season units each year. ![]() Their antlers take approximately 90 to 140 days to mature and can weigh from 20 to 40 pounds on a big mature bull. Luckily for hunters, the Rocky Mountain subspecies possesses the largest antlers. Elk are the second largest species of North American deer, only the moose is larger. A mature bull will measure 5 feet at the shoulder and 8 feet from nose to tail. A mature Rocky Mountain elk bull can weigh between 5 pounds with the average weight being around 700 pounds. As far as body size goes, the Rocky Mountain elk is the second smallest elk subspecies, ahead of the Tule elk, but behind the Roosevelt and the Manitoban. ![]() There they are growing rapidly and each Rocky Mountain State has a very strong elk herd. Rocky Mountain elk are the most plentiful subspecies as they inhabit 22 states, but are mostly abundant in the Rocky Mountain States. They are one of four current subspecies of elk in North America (Rocky Mountain, Manitoban, Roosevelt, and Tule). The Rocky Mountain elk are one of the most majestic and popular western big game animals. ![]()
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