How Much Does It Cost To Raise An Elk?

Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter, and Outdoorsman.

Elk farming and raising elk has become increasingly popular as people learn about these amazing animals. Many are unaware that you are even allowed to raise elk; others want to get into themselves but are worried about the costs.

So just how much does it really cost to raise an elk?

Elk require a few more things than other farm animals do, but they can be cheaper to raise than cattle. Elk require less feed and open land than cattle and are usually less expensive to buy when they are young. They can be bought for a few hundred dollars and fed for as little as $40 a month with adequate pasture.

Although raising elk can be a little challenging, many would be surprised at just how budget-friendly these animals can be to raise when compared to other farm animals. Continue reading to learn more about the cost requirements.

In this post, we'll cover:

Hidden Fees and Land Requirements

Although elk can be much cheaper than cattle and some other farm animals, there are a few fees and other hidden costs that come along with raising elk that one should be aware of.

First, elk have special veterinary and vaccination requirements depending on the state that you are in. Some states require that they get checked on a regular basis, which could add to the cost of raising them.

Another hidden cost that many people don’t consider is the equipment needed to raise elk. A regular fence will not work for elk, as they can easily jump over it.

You will need a special elk fence where you intend to keep them that is tall enough that they cannot jump over and strong enough that they cannot knock it down. Elk are big and powerful animals, so a fence like this might not be cheap.

Elk Feed Costs Vs. Other Animals

Despite hidden costs and other fees, elk can be very affordable to raise, thanks to their feed costs. If you have good pasture space available, feeding an elk can be very inexpensive. Because elk are grazers, they can rely on the grass in the pasture to fill their stomachs, and you will not have to feed them as often.

Elk also eat much less food and grass than cattle or other farm animals. Elk have adapted to living long periods of time with little food, so they don’t need a whole lot to survive. While you should always ensure that your elk is well fed, they will not eat as much as you might think.

Can Elk Farming Be Profitable?

Because of the low startup costs of elk and the little money they need on a monthly basis, elk farming can be extremely profitable. Whether you are raising them to sell or for meat, elk are in high demand, and not very many people want to go through the trouble of raising them.

This supply and demand mean they can be sold at good prices while costing very little to raise. Of course, the markets can and do constantly change, so every year and season will vary. Overall, however, most elk farmers report good profits, and it is well worth the effort to raise elk.

Dos and Don’ts of Raising Elk

The first step in raising elk is to make sure that you are completely within the legal boundaries set up by the state that you live in. This is one of the most important steps to start with, but it is also vital that you have the right setup for raising elk.

Elk can jump very high, so tall fences are needed. You might also want to have some type of barn or shed to provide adequate shelter for your elk in the event of a bad storm or weather or even to isolate an animal that gets injured or sick.

Don’t overthink raising elk, however. Elk are even easier to take care of than cattle, as they are wild animals that can properly fend for themselves.

Obviously, take care of them to the best of your ability, but don’t stress too much about what you are doing wrong or right. One of the best aspects of raising elk is just how fun and unique these animals are, so don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way.

Should You Raise an Elk?

If you love elk and raising animals, then getting an elk might be the right choice. These animals can be fun to raise and provide a unique experience you cannot get with other animals. But you must also be honest with yourself and ask hard questions before you decide to raise an elk.

Elk can be a lot of work, requiring a few more things than traditional livestock. Do you have the time to care for an elk properly? Do you have the proper space and facilities to house an elk on your property? If you can do it, it doesn’t always mean you should. Remember that these animals require good care and someone who can give it to them.

Final Thoughts

If you ask anyone, they would probably guess that raising elk is very expensive. While it is true that many wild animals can be pricey to raise due to special requirements, elk can actually be much cheaper than cattle, thanks to their size and how much they eat.

If you have ever considered raising a new type of animal, an elk may just be the way to go!

Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.

Sources

Was this article helpful?

YesNo