Seen in coastal forests throughout the Pacific Northwest, the Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) is one of the most impressive animals in the United States. Roosevelt Elk can be over 5 feet tall at the shoulders, and larger bulls can weigh 1000 pounds, making Roosevelt Elk larger than Rocky Mountain Elk (yet, on average, the antlers of Rocky Mountain Elk are larger). Feeding on shrubs and grasses, Roosevelt Elk travel in herds of various sizes throughout the year. Females calve in spring, and breeding, known as rutting, begins in the fall. During the rut is the most exciting time to watch Roosevelt Elk as the males begin to claim females’ and show dominance through posturing, fighting, and bugling.
Roosevelt Elk Bull in summer, his antlers not yet fully grown.
To see Roosevelt Elk, look for wildlife viewing areas such as Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area near Reedsport, Oregon. Other areas for viewing elk can be found throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. For the more adventurous, Roosevelt Elk can be found on public forest lands throughout the Oregon Coast. Watching clear-cuts and naturally open areas during dusk and dawn can be a great way to spot elk. As well, sitting near well travelled trails in forested areas can result in elk sightings if one is patient. Finally, listen. Elk are noisy animals. They vocalize during all times of the year, mainly what is termed cow calls, and learning the different elk calls and sounds can teach one a lot about elk behavior. Elk are also loud when traveling. They do not try to sneak like the Black-tailed Deer (at times elk will sneak, especially wary animals that are alone, or some bulls when looking for females). A herd coming through the forest will break sticks, roll rocks, and sound like, well, a herd of elk. Listen for oncoming twigs breaking and leaves rustling, and watch for elk on the move.
Bull elk with cows in pasture, late fall.
As an archery hunter, the fall rut is when I pursue the Roosevelt Elk, one of my favorite game animals. While I have yet to shoot an elk with a bow, when September hits I have one thing on my mind-elk. With the coming of cooler temperatures, the changing color of the leaves, and the most dramatic change of seasons in my area, fall hits me like a hammer, bringing back memories of adventures taken for elk and deer over the years. While the nostalgia hits, I take a minute to breath in the fall air, to smell the dew on the grass, and let the nostalgia flow through me like a refreshing glass of ice water on a summers day. As the memories fade to the present I have my daypack loaded up and my bow ready. More memories are in the air as I take that first step into the woods and chase after the majestic animal known as the Roosevelt Elk.
