Elk, or wapiti, are once again roaming the Missouri landscape, marking the success of a major conservation effort to reestablish the native species. This restoration brings back a large mammal that had been absent for over a century, having been completely eliminated from the state by the mid-1800s. The process has been carefully managed to ensure the long-term health and stability of the growing herd.
The Primary Habitat Zone
The bulk of Missouri’s free-ranging elk herd is concentrated in the south-central Ozarks, known as the Elk Restoration Zone. This area is centered around the 23,763-acre Peck Ranch Conservation Area, which serves as the primary release site and core habitat. The zone encompasses parts of Shannon, Reynolds, and Carter counties, providing a large, contiguous stretch of protected land.
The habitat is managed to support the elk population, consisting of open woodlands, forested slopes, and restored glade ecosystems. Elk utilize open areas, such as improved pastures and planted food plots, where they forage for grasses and forbs. These open habitats are interspersed with the dense oak-pine forests of the Ozarks, which provide the animals with cover and security.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) selected this 346-square-mile zone due to its high percentage of public land, low density of row crops, and limited public road access. This combination of factors helps to minimize potential conflicts with private landowners and livestock.
Elk Reintroduction History
Elk were completely eliminated from Missouri by the mid-1880s due to unregulated market hunting and extensive habitat loss. After decades of absence, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved a formal restoration plan in 2010, recognizing the elk as a native species and aiming to restore its ecological role in the Ozarks.
The active reintroduction phase took place between 2011 and 2013, with 108 elk relocated from Kentucky, which had an established herd. Before transport, the animals underwent extensive health testing and quarantine to prevent the introduction of diseases, such as Chronic Wasting Disease. The first group was released onto the Peck Ranch Conservation Area in 2011, using a “soft release” protocol where they were temporarily confined to acclimate.
The MDC established a long-term goal of growing the herd to approximately 500 animals before implementing a management hunting season. This effort utilized scientific monitoring and habitat management, allowing the foundational herd to establish itself and expand its range within the designated restoration zone.
Tips for Viewing Elk
The best opportunities for observing elk are concentrated within the Elk Restoration Zone, particularly at Peck Ranch and the neighboring Current River Conservation Area. Elk are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours. Optimal viewing times are shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, as they typically retreat to dense forest cover during the day.
A self-guided driving tour is available at Peck Ranch, offering routes designed to take visitors through open fields where elk frequently graze. It is recommended to bring binoculars or a camera with a long zoom lens, as animals must be viewed from a distance to avoid disturbance. The most exciting time to witness elk behavior is during the rutting season, which typically peaks from late September to mid-October.
During the rut, bull elk engage in sparring and vocalize with loud bugling calls to attract females and establish dominance. Visitors must adhere to regulations, such as remaining in vehicles during the driving tour and never attempting to approach the animals. Note that the gravel roads in the conservation areas can be rugged, so a vehicle with adequate ground clearance is often advisable.