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Utah Field Guide: Wapiti

By Adam Eakle, KSL | Posted - April 27, 2015 at 11:51 p.m.

 
Utah Field Guide: Wapiti

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The elk or Wapiti as it is sometimes called is native to North America and eastern Asia and is common in the mountainous regions here in Utah.

Biologists have long classified elk into six subspecies. Utah is home to an estimated 72,000 Rocky Mountain elk and our herd continues to rise. Found in mountain meadows and forests during the summer, and the foothills and valley grasslands during the winter. These animals migrate with the seasons which allow them to find food year round. The best time to observe elk in my opinion is just weeks away when the mating season starts.

Males are much less wary during the rut. Bulls wallow in mud to coat themselves with "perfume" to attract cows. They also bugle, rake trees, shrubs and the ground with their antlers to attract cows and intimidate other bulls.

For more information on the wapiti or any other creature of Utah, be sure to check out our Utah Field Guide on our Outdoors page at KSLTV.com

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Adam Eakle, KSLAdam Eakle
Adam Eakle has been exploring Utah’s outdoors since he could hold a rod and a rifle. As the host of KSL Outdoors, Adam brings his lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and wild places to viewers each week—highlighting the beauty of Utah’s backcountry and sharing tips for making the most of every adventure. Raised with a deep respect for nature, Adam credits his father for teaching him the importance of being a responsible outdoorsman. His favorite pursuits include elk and deer hunting, upland game, fly fishing, and “dunking a worm with the kids.” In addition to hosting the show, Adam is also a part-time professional hunting guide—but his greatest joy comes from spending time in Utah’s wilderness with his wife Tonya and their four children: Alex, Madison, Taylor, and Ethan. A graduate of Kearns High School and the University of Utah, Adam now lives in Riverton, Utah, where he continues to live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle—on camera and off. First TV Appearance: Saturday Oct 7th 2006. “A date which will live in infamy” Favorite Story: 1998 Nagano Olympics Memorable Interview: Dell Schanzee Dream Interview: Ted Nugent…accomplished in 2011 Dream Job: Full time hunter/fisherman Favorite Program: Deadliest Catch First Story: Tragic mine accident in Tooele County Why I’m A Journalist: Because you never know who you are going to meet, where you are going to go, and what you’ll find. Hidden Talent: I can blow a train whistle with my hands. Favorite Food: The free meals at any media event. Favorite Sports Team: Bosox, baby! Favorite Musician: Garth Brooks Favorite Destination: Lake Powell and Alaska https://www.facebook.com/adameakleksl

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