Elk In the deer family, only moose are larger than elk. Originally inhabitants of the plains, elk were hunted to dangerously low levels to help feed settlers, minors, and railroad crews. At one time they numbered at 10,000,000 and they were reduced 99% at the start of this centry. They were hunted down and killed for their meat, hides, and canine teeth, commonly called "burglers." These were prized for watch fobs and sold for $15 each 100 years ago. The state goverment has protected elk since 1927. Bulls weigh 700 to 900 pounds, cows a few hundred pounds less than that. They stand 5 feet high at the shoulder. Often you can smell them as they have a strong musky odor. Shawee Indians called the elk "Wapiti" meaning white deer, a reference to their spring coat. Elk have a pale yellowish rump, short tail and dark brown legs, belly and head. Their sides are gray-brown during the winter and reddish-brown is summer after shedding in June. Males have a shaggy neck mane. Normally wary of man, elk have good eye sight,hearing and smell. Their maximum life span is about 15 years.