The herd also has to show 10 percent annual growth and be composed of at least one bull elk for every four cow elk.

Hildreth indicated there are no minimum rifle caliber requirements, though MDC will visit with each permit holder before they embark on their hunt.

He noted that the average white-tailed buck deer weighs 200 to 250 pounds, while a mature bull elk will weigh three to four times that, a size difference hunters would need to consider when choosing their hunting gear.

MDC hopes to eventually grow the herd to 400 to 500 elk. As the herd gets bigger, more hunting permits will likely become available. Hildreth said MDC eventually will offer permits for female elk. Until then, only bull elk with an antler at least 6 inches tall will be eligible to be killed by hunters.

Hildreth said elk already have begun to move beyond the Peck Ranch Conservation Area, where they were first released after being imported from Kentucky.

Courtesy: Springfield News Leader