Mammals

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Bats of Tennessee

Elk in Tennessee

ELK IN TENNESSEE

It has been about 150 years since elk wandered throughout Tennessee. Early records indicated that elk were abundant in the state prior to being settled by European explores and colonists. As these settlers moved westward the elk population declined.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) decided to reintroduce elk to the state in the late 1990's. Part of the agency's mission is to restore extirpated wildlife when and where it is biologically and sociologically feasible. Beginning in December 2000, the agency began conducting small releases of elk from Elk Island National Park (AL, Canada) into the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. There were 201 elk in total that were released over a period of eight years. It is currently estimated that the Tennessee elk herd is approximately 400 head.

Several partners have been involved with the project and contributed by doing the things they do best. The partners include the Rocky Mountain Elk foundation, Parks Canada, Campbell County Outdoor Recreation Association, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, University of Tennessee and the U.S. Forest Service and TWRA. Recently, the Safari Club International (SCI) and the Chattanooga Chapter of SCI have also assisted with funding.

ELK VIEWING OPPORUNITIES IN TENNESSEE

The Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower was constructed on August 27, 2005, on the Sundquist Unit of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. TWRA volunteer Terry Lewis and his wife, Jane, designed and purchased building materials for the tower. The Lewis' erected the tower with the help from volunteers of the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA), the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, other volunteers, and TWRA personnel from Area 41, the Royal Blue Unit crew of the North Cumberland WMA, and TWRA elk biologist Steve Bennett.

Terry and Jane have been instrumental in working with TWRA on Hatfield Knob since the elk arrived in Tennessee in 2000. The TWRA released a small herd of elk near Hatfield Knob in 2003. They quickly found and ate the 2.5-acre plot of oats and Austrian winter peas that had been planted. Terry and Jane realized they needed more food if the elk were to stay in the area. He, along with TWRA, had dreams of a wildlife viewing area on the Hatfield Knob. The Lewis's developed a wildlife management plan and worked with Area Manager Stan Stooksbury. So far, 40 or more acres of wildlife food plots have been planted on the knob and several more acres of mature upland forests have been cleared for planting of crops. Across North Cumberland WMA, we are working to promote native grasses and other natural food sources that provide year round forage for elk rather than an expensive, short term food supply of planted crops. Native habitats will also benefit a variety of other wildlife in the area.

Directions to the viewing tower: To reach Hatfield Mountain, drive north out of Lafollette on Highway 25W approximately seven miles to the top of the mountain. Turn left at the red gate located at the top of the mountain (just before the road starts to break over the mountain and go down the back side.) Proceed on the gravel road approximately 3.1 miles to a fork in the road. Take the right fork approximately 1.4 miles to the parking area.

During daylight hours, all users outside of an enclosed vehicle or outside of camp must wear, on the upper portion of their body and head, a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange, visible front and back, during the deer gun and muzzleloader seasons.

Visitors to the tower are reminded to remain quiet while viewing the elk to avoid startling the animals.

MAP OF ELK RESTORATION ZONE

ELK SOUNDS