Tennessee has first elk hunt in 150 years

Tennessee’s first elk hunt in 150 years began Oct. 19 with three elk harvested in 30 minutes in East Tennessee.

Two other people hold permits for the 5-day hunt in the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.

Almost 13,000 people entered a contest to win one of four permits. The fifth went to the highest bidder at a charity auction, with the money going toward restoring the state’s elk population.

The restoration effort began in 2000 with 50 free-ranging elk from Canada released into the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area. The population is now estimated to be above 300.