Elk signify many things to many different people, whether they are hunted, photographed or simply observed. Elk are an important part of the contemporary western outdoor scene. Elk are the basis for a tradition that plays an important role in society and politics. The history of elk in the west had high populations in the 1800’s to lows in the 1900’s, and from restoration projects to current management techniques attest to a firm commitment to this species. Even the rancher that finds his hay trampled and eaten, to the logger that has his logging techniques reformed around the management of elk in the west(Swanson et.al 1969).

The interest and concern for elk extend far beyond western North America. Hunters and naturalists, as well as federal land policy makers and administrators all have a feeling of the importance and values involved. A largely wild and free-ranging elk population of about 440,000 in the 1960’s growing to about 500,000 in the 1970’s (Swanson et al.1969).