Moose - European elk (Alces alces)

Elk have lived in Estonia for 9,000 years. According to the count for 2015, slightly more than 12,000 individuals currently live in Estonia.

The rut period for elk lasts from the end of August until the beginning of October. The bulls fight each other, impregnating up to 7 cows during the rut period. Gestation lasts for 7.5 months, with calves mainly born in May. Typically there are 1 to 2 calves born, rarely 3. In autumn, calves constitute about 25% to 30% of the population.

Adult individuals weigh 300 to 500 kg, on average, with calves weighing around 100 kg. The natural enemies of elk are the bear and wolf.

A calling hunt, hunting from hides, and a stalking hunt are all permitted for elk bulls from 15 September until 15 December. Driven hunts and hunting with a hunting dog (except for an FCI Group 6 hunting dog (bloodhounds and hounds) whose maximum wither height approved in the breed standard is over 52 cm) are permitted from 1 October until 15 December. A calling hunt, hunting from hides, a stalking hunt, a driven hunt, or hunting with a hunting dog (except for an FCI Group 6 hunting dog (bloodhounds and hounds) whose maximum wither height approved in the breed standard is over 52 cm) are permitted for elk cows and calves from 1 October until 15 December.

At the beginning of the elk hunt, when the rut period is still on-going, it is interesting to use a calling hunt, imitating the voice of an elk bull or cow. The vast majority of elk in RMK’s hunting areas are hunted during stalking or search hunts, which allow for a choice of shot. A driven hunt with dogs is generally organised when many hunters are participating.

Medal-worthy trophies are borne by about 5% of adult bulls. Even 4-branched antlers may be medal-worthy. A bronze medal is 250-274.99 CIC points, silver 275-299.99 points and gold 300 or more CIC points.