Elk Hunting and Management

Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting open houses in communities around the elk management zone.

December 3 – Van Buren High School Cafeteria, 202 W. College.
December 4 – Ellington City Hall, 100 Tubbs Ave.
December 6 – Eminence High School Cafeteria, 17829 South Sixth St.

From 6–8 PM, come learn how MDC is managing wild elk in the Ozarks, including herd size and anticipated growth, herd health, and how MDC is working with area landowners.

Staff will discuss options for a limited, future elk hunting season, including season timing, season length, harvest limits, allowed hunting methods, managed hunt options, and more. MDC staff will available to answer questions and to collect public feedback.

Management Plan Goals

Goal 1: Population Growth
Goal 2: Hunting and Recreation
Goal 3: Elk Range
Goal 4: Public Support

In This Section

Elk in Missouri (pdf, 8 MB)

In 2011, the Missouri Department of Conservation reintroduced the first group of elk onto Peck Ranch CA in south-central Missouri.

Elk Population Dynamics and Research

Our goal is to use science-based information to guide elk management in Missouri.

Elk in Missouri Outside of the Elk Restoration Zone

Missouri has a long history of elk sightings throughout the state predating the elk restoration

Elk Vs Deer

Check out the differences between an elk and a white-tailed deer.

Science Note - Reintroduced Elk Response to Deer Hunt Disturbance in Missouri (pdf, 2 MB)

From 2011 to 2013, the Missouri Department of Conservation transported 108 elk from southeastern Kentucky to the Missouri Ozarks with the goal of restoring a wild population within 3 counties.

Science Note - Visitor Survey Results from MDCs Elk Tour (pdf, 2 MB)

Throughout 2016, MDC conducted onsite visitor surveys at the two Elk Tour Loops which were on Peck Ranch and Current River conservation areas.

Science Note - Parelaphostrongylus Tenuis (pdf, 931 KB)

Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is a parasitic nematode (roundworm) with a life cycle that involves white-tailed deer and several species of terrestrial snails and slugs in Eastern North America.

Brainworm Life Cycle (pdf, 4 MB)

Brainworm life cycle (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis)

CWD vs HD (pdf, 42 KB)

Differences Between Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Hemorrhagic Disease (HD)/Blue-Tongue

Our Magazines

Conservationist Magazine

Our monthly publication about conservation in Missouri--free to all residents.

Xplor Magazine for kids

Xplor helps kids find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.