Know the difference between white-tailed deer, elk

file photo: Minn. DNR

People sometimes report seeing elk in a wider geographical area outside of far northwestern Minnesota. Deer hunters need to make sure they can distinguish between the two species in the field. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer-elk-id.html) has drawings and traits listed to help distinguish elk from white-tailed deer. Additionally, people are encouraged to report elk sightings in Minnesota using the online elk sighting reporting tool (mndnr.gov/elk/elk-sightings.html).