More Than Five Tons Of Elk Meat Donated To Needy Through Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Elk Reduction Program

Submitted by NPT Staff on December 17, 2012 - 2:56am

More than five tons of meat has been donated to the needy through the elk reduction program at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

The program was started in 2010 to keep the park's elk population from getting too high for the landscape's carrying capacity.

This fall park staff culled 69 elk between October 30 and December 6.

“The elk removal effort was successful again this year,” said Superintendent Valerie Naylor. “The National Park Service team is to be commended for doing an exceptional job of completing this year’s project without injuries and with minimal impact to park visitors.”

The backcountry in the South Unit, which was closed three days per week during the elk removal effort, is now open to visitors all of the time.

Meat from the animals taken during the maintenance phase was packed out of the park and donated to Sportsman Against Hunger through the North Dakota Community Action Partnership. To date, 10,052 pounds of meat has been donated.

Comments

Submitted by defellows on December 17, 2012 - 11:47am.

I wonder who or what the Superintendent was referring to when he mentioned no injuries: the NPS team or the elk.

Submitted by Rick B. on December 17, 2012 - 1:17pm.

I'm certain that the poor and hungry who will now have meat on their table are grateful, regardless of whatever debate others may have.

Submitted by defellows on December 18, 2012 - 2:20am.

Who is debating anything, Rick B? I just thought the sentence was rather humorous.

Submitted by trailadvocate on December 18, 2012 - 9:47am.

The not so poor and hungry should have it so good. Better than a "King's feast." Where do I sign up:)!

Just meant that Elk meat is very lean, healthy and doesn't have the marbling of fat that domestically grown beef has that many people prefer. Personally I prefer properly prepared Elk. "It's what's for dinner:)!"

PS: I can still get my own so please, distribute the meat...along with the cell phones:).

Submitted by Lee Dalton on December 18, 2012 - 9:14am.

Until 2014, all most people have to do to sign up is get sick and have their insurance company cut off coverage.

Submitted by ecbuck on December 18, 2012 - 10:33am.

Ah - Trolling again I see Lee.

Submitted by Lee Dalton on December 18, 2012 - 1:05pm.

Nope, just stating an unfortunate fact of life in America.