How to Start an Elk Farm

A member of the deer family, wild elk tend to live in herds. They adapt well to a variety of locations and to the routines of farm and ranch life. Elk farmers usually specialize in producing one or two products from their animals. These products include hard antlers, antler velvet, meat, leather products, breeding stock or game-farm animals. The genetics of the herd, feeding plan and set-up of the farm may vary quite a bit, depending on the product focus.

Things You'll Need

  • Land
  • Pasture seed mix
  • Automatic watering system
  • High-tensile fence
  • Wooden fence posts
  • Elk feed
  • Elk mineral supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact your local regulatory agency and find out about any animal importation, livestock testing and facility set-up requirements for elk farms in your area. The nearest Department of Agriculture or Department of Natural Resources can provide up-to-date information about local laws.

    • 2

      Prepare the land for the arrival of an elk herd. Plant the pasture with a grass and alfalfa mix, and install a reliable source of water for the elk. Some farms utilize ground water and an automatic watering system, if no natural water source is available.

    • 3

      Build a fence around the pasture. A seven to eight foot tall enclosure with strong wooden posts every 20 feet and high-tensile wire will keep the elk herd safe inside the pasture.

    • 4

      Visit elk breeding farms. Ask the breeders questions about the genetics of their elk. Determine if the prospect elk possess the traits to produce the products you wish to market.

    • 5

      Schedule the required blood work and testing for the prospect animals. A large animal veterinarian, not associated with the source farm, but who lives nearby will conduct the tests and provide an unbiased opinion of the animals' health and quality.

    • 6

      Formulate a feeding plan and prepare to implement it immediately, when the elk arrive. Typical feeding plans include forage from the pasture, alfalfa hay, corn, mixed grains and mineral supplements.

    • 7
      Adult female elk are called cows and adult males, bulls.

      Purchase the elk and arrange for their transportation to the farm. Begin with at least one bull and several cows, or just cows and plan to have them artificially inseminated the first year.