North Carolina to hold first Elk hunt In 2027 after rebuilding herd over 25 years

Elk were once found across much of North Carolina but disappeared from the state many years ago For the first time since elk were reintroduced to western North Carolina 25 years ago, the state will allow a limited elk hunting season. The decision comes after wildlife officials said the elk population has recovered enough to support controlled hunting while continuing conservation efforts.The change follows the signing of House Bill 747 by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein on July 7. The law allows the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) to issue two elk hunting permits during the 2027 hunting season.Officials say the move is not aimed at reducing the population quickly but is part of a long-term wildlife management plan. The money raised through the permits will also be used for elk conservation and management.The huntElk were once found across much of North Carolina but disappeared from the state many years ago because of overhunting and habitat loss. Wildlife agencies later began efforts to bring them back to western North Carolina, and the animals have slowly established a stable population over the past 25 years.According to Justin McVey, district wildlife bio...