Consider Installing a New Fence When Selling Your Home

Did you know that there are 70,000 elk being raised on 1,200 ranches across the United States?  Many of these ranchers raise elk because they provide high-quality venison. Bull elk also produce velvet, which is considered a renewable resource. Others raise elk for pure recreational reasons including hunting and watching them in a natural setting. If you have ever considered joining elk ranchers across to country to raise these magnificent animals here are four tips to follow when raising elk.

Know Your State's Regulations

Some states do not allow for the ownership of exotic animals, including different types of deer like elk. Some states ban the private ownership of all types of exotic animals while other states require the animal owner to obtain a license or permit. Potential elk ranchers may want to contact the North American Elk Breeders Association for any other questions they may have about regulations in their state. Some states have their own associations including:

• Colorado
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Missouri
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Utah

If you live in any one of these states, their elk breeders associations are a great resource for elk ranchers.

Provide Adequate Fencing

Elk are very large animals, in fact bull elk weigh anywhere from 600 to 850 pounds. Don't let their size fool you, however, about how agile they are. In most states it is a requirement that elk fencing be 8 feet high with fence posts ever 20 feet. Fence companies like Soldier Fencing LLC can help you install adequate fencing. 

Know What Elk Eat

Elk are grazers that primarily eat upland grasses like broom, and legumes such as alfalfa. They will also eat grains such as corn and oats. After calving, cows need to eat plenty of hay, grains, and food with adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It's also important to provide your elk herd with high quality feed that has adequate supplies of copper and selenium.

Keep Your Herd Healthy

One of the advantages to raising elk is that they have a natural immunity to most diseases. Internal and external parasites are only a concern when there are too many elk confined too closely together. Some warning signs to look for in a sick elk include:

• Away from the herd, off by itself
• Head is down and ears are back
• Not eating
• Swollen body parts
• Loss of hair

For ranchers who suspect any kind of sickness, they are to call their veterinarian right away, or the North American Elk Breeders Association for assistance.