Though they are more widespread geographically than their smaller tule cousins, taking a trophy Roosevelt elk is no easy feat. The country they frequent, the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest from California to Alaska (where Roosevelt elk were introduced to Afognak and Raspberry Islands), is often steep and thick and difficult to hunt. Opportunities can be limited also. Here's a breakdown of where you can hunt Roosevelt elk and who to call:
California Historically, California is a hotspot for monster Roosevelt bulls, with 60 in the record books (surpassed only by Oregon with 63; British Columbia has 29 and Washington, 18). Of the 25 most recent B&C entries for Roosevelts, 14 have come from northwest California; Oregon has seven; British Columbia is coming on strong with four. There are no over-the-counter elk tags available in California, but the approximately 350 elk tags are issued through the California Department of Fish and Game's controlled application process for tule, Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk. With more than 26,000 residents applying for these tags, odds are long. Another tag will be awarded as a raffle prize. Again, terrible odds....
