Elk vs deer antlers Patch#

In 2016, 200 elk hunting licenses were available to those selected in the random drawing. White-tailed deer antlers curve forward, whereas elk antlers are larger and sweep back from their heads. Michigan has had an elk hunting season annually since 1984, and a weighted lottery system has been used since 2003. “If you know of a wildlife violation that has taken place or you have made a mistake, call our Report All Poaching line at (800) 292-7800,” Hiestand said. Best Antler Treat Variety Pack: Top Dog Chews Premium Large Antler Variety Pack Dog Treats. Best Antler Treat for Durable Chewing: KONG Wild Whole Elk Antler Dog Chew. Best Overall Antler Dog Treat: Prairie Dog Deer Antlers Dog Chew. Adult bull elk antlers are typically significantly larger than white-tailed deer antlers and branch beyond the ears however, young spike bulls can have significantly smaller, unbranched antlers. Here are a few of our favorite antlers for dogs. Female elk are a reddish-brown color without a color variation. Elk males also have a different appearance, with a lighter back and hindquarters and a darker, reddish-brown neck and head. Adult bull elk antlers are typically significantly larger than white-tailed deer antlers and branch beyond the ears however, young spike bulls can have significantly smaller, unbranched antlers. Elk can weigh several hundred pounds more and stand 2-to-4 feet taller than deer. “You have all of the control over taking an animal, so be certain on what you are harvesting.”ĭeer and elk have significant size differences. “Always positively ID your target before pulling the trigger,” Hiestand said. “Although a mistake, this would be an illegal take of game, which is a serious wildlife offense.”Įlk and white-tailed deer are close relatives and from the same Cervidae family, but hunters can tell the difference between them by looking at a few characteristics. “Unfortunately, in the past we have had deer hunters who make the mistake of harvesting a young male or a calf elk thinking it’s a white-tailed deer,” said Shelby Hiestand, DNR wildlife biologist. Mule deer are a softer antler in comparison to whitetail.The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds deer hunters hunting in the area that wild elk are also found in this region and cannot be harvested without an elk hunting license. These antlers have a lower marrow ratio and can be a very enduring antler chew. Whitetail antlers are typically whiter than mule deer antlers. Whitetail is among the densest and hardest of antlers. By contrast, Whitetail Deer antlers are incredibly hard throughout (think jawbreaker hard), while lacking much in the way of beneficial core marrow. Which is better deer antler or elk antler?Įlk Antler makes a chew that is durable, but also more safe. Note the thick outer core, which is an extremely hard structure compared to the softer, spongy inner marrow. Moose Antlers What is the difference between deer antler and elk antler?ĭeer antlers will be significantly harder than elk antlers. On average, elk stand between 2.5 and 5 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 400 and 1,100 lbs. In fact, elk are the second-largest member of the deer family, only behind moose. Regarding size, elk are significantly larger than mule deer. How can you tell a mule deer from an elk?Įlk are much larger than mule deer. An elk’s body will vary between seasons from a shade of light copper in summer months to light-tan during winter and spring.

Elk vs deer antlers Patch#

How do I identify antlers?Īll elk will have a light beige rump patch and typically contrasting darker legs and neck to their lighter bodies. The color of elk antler is gorgeous, with brown and red umber tones gradually changing to a polished ivory color at the ends of the tips. How do you identify elk antlers?Įlk antler is the largest of the western antlers and has a noticeably elongated shape with many points coming off one large main beam. The Moose antler chews seem to typically be of the softest antler we carry, with mule deer and elk about a tossup. Thus whitetail deer poses as a more dangerous chew, therefore we do not endorse that type deer antler chew. Many dogs love moose antlers’ taste, however, they do not last very long and can easily break down into pieces. Moose antlers are the softest kinds of dog antlers, but they also contain the most marrow content. Deer antlers will be significantly harder than elk antlers.