LITTLE ROCK – A record 44 elk were harvested during the 2012 hunting seasons, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologist Wes Wright told Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Commission.
In 2012, 20 bull elk and 24 antlerless elk were harvested during hunting seasons in September and October in territory near the Buffalo River. The previous record was 38.
Since 1998, when elk hunting began in Arkansas, 376 have been harvested (195 bulls, 181 antlerless). Harvested elk are weighed, ages are estimated and blood samples are taken for disease tests. Elk also are tested for chronic wasting disease.
Wright said a recent survey found at least 620 elk on public and private land, up from 453 counted during the previous survey.
The Commission elected Commissioner Ron Duncan of Springdale vice chairman to fill the previously vacant position.
In other business, the Commission: