DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *Sept. 10, 2024
*Contact: *Christina Kizewski, DNR Central Elk Zone Biologist 
[email protected] or 715-896-3882 

*Know Your Target: Don’t Accidentally Shoot Elk This Hunting Season*

 

A graphic that depicting the visual difference between elk and deer, featuring an image of each animal.

Don't shoot an elk. Know your target. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

*MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to know their target and understand the difference between elk and white-tailed deer this hunting season.

Elk occasionally venture outside of Wisconsin’s two elk ranges, especially during the fall breeding season. Positively identifying the target ensures the safety of other people and avoids accidental shooting of non-target animals.

*How To Identify An Elk:*


* *Adult elk are larger than adult deer. *An adult elk stands about 1-2 feet taller than an adult deer at the shoulders. An elk calf will be about the same size as an adult white-tailed doe but will display similar coloration to adult elk.
* *Spot the difference in the antlers.* White-tailed deer antlers curve forward, whereas elk antlers are larger and sweep back from their heads.
* *Look for color markings. *Elk have a tan rump patch, black legs and a dark brown mane. Deer have legs the same color as their bodies, a white throat patch and a fluffy white tail.
* *Additional markers.* Elk moving throughout the state may have noticeable markers, including colored ear tags or tracking collars. These collars are fixed around the neck and are typically orange in color, sometimes with a visible printed number.

See the differences between elk and white-tailed deer using the DNR’s comparison guide [ [link removed] ].

Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of hunting licenses.

Observations of elk outside the management zones can be reported to the DNR through the Wildlife Observation Tool [ [link removed] ].







________________________________________________________________________

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]     [ [link removed] ]  [ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ] Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · 101 S. Webster Street · Madison, WI 53707-7921 · 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]