Elk are herbivores that are similar to deer but larger. Male elk generally weigh around 550 pounds, but some have been known to reach 650 pounds. An elk's antlers, much desired by hunters, can weigh as much as 40 pounds and are shed annually.
Elk once roamed the westernplains, but modernization has disrupted natural migration patterns, and today they live primarily in mountainous regions. Although there are some free-ranging elk in the west Texas mountains, around Laredo they are primarily found on hunting ranches, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Ranch owners often lease land for hunting as a means of extra income during slower seasons. Hunting ranches have also developed, where various types of animals are kept for hunting. Elk are common at these ranches, and even some animal species from Africa are kept.
Anyone who hunts in Texas must have a license. A special permit for elk is not required and it is highly unlikely you would find an elk on public land in Texas. No other special permits are required, but there is a limit of one elk per year.
Ranch hunts are controversial because they often have fences preventing the animals from leaving. This is not what most hunters consider "fair chase" hunting.
