Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by Dwayne Easton
Comparing elk and moose often leads to a discussion about their size, color, and shape. Let’s get deeper and discuss where the animals live, what they eat, as well as how they taste.
What does an Elk look like?
Visually, the elk are different from moose because they have a few distinctive features. They are a lighter brown with reddish undertones. Their snouts are sharper and more pointed than a moose’s curved snout. Their antlers are the most distinctive visual difference.
Elk antlers are more pointed than moose’s flat and round shape. It can be hard to tell which animal you are looking at if it is winter. The elk have an “bell”, which dangles from the throats of moose. This is a quick way to determine if they are moose. It is essentially a large flap or skin that elk do not have.
An adult bull elk is approximately 1,100 pounds in weight, although it is more common to see bull elks around 700 lbs. They can grow to nearly five feet at their shoulders.
Where can Elk be Found
Elk prefer to live in open forests and rugged mountain meadows.
If you are looking for elk in the US then you will find them in Washington, Oregon and California.
Other than the United States, there are significant elk populations in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Elk’s Typical Diet
Wild elk are known as ‘grazers’ and can roam up to 500 miles per adult in search of fresh grasses or foibles (weeds). These are their main sources of calories. However, they are not picky eaters and will eat bark, shrubs and tips of tree branches, if they feel the need.
While farm-raised elk are usually pasture-raised they are given a similar diet as wild animals but also receive alfalfa, grains and other neutral-flavored feeds. This helps to balance the meat’s naturally gamey flavor.
How does Elk Meat Taste Like?
We are big fans of elk meat at hunter.guide, if you didn’t already know.
Why?
This flavor profile can be used in any beef recipe, enhancing the nutritional properties of your meal and preserving your flavor. Some people may avoid elk because of its gamey flavor. However, farm-raised elk meat tastes almost the same as moose and deer.
Elk meat is rich in nutrients, low calories, and high in protein. is a great way to add flavorful, humanely raised meats to your menu
What is the difference between Moose vs Elk?
How do Moose Look Like?
The moose is the darker of the two animals. Their colors range from dark chocolate brown to black. Antlers are a surefire way of knowing what animal you’re viewing. Antlers of a moose are more flat and rounded than those of an elk.
Additionally, moose are massive. They can reach seven feet tall and weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. Although they are more aggressive than elk, they can be peaceful when left alone.
Where can you find Moose?
Moose can live farther north than elk due to their higher latitude. They can be found in Alaska, Canada and Siberia as well as in some of the colder areas of the US, including the Rocky Mountains and Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The moose aren’t as common as the elk and are therefore much more difficult to find.
Moose’s Typical Diet
Like deer, moose are picky eaters. They regularly look at their habitat to find the kinds of food they enjoy. They don’t eat grass like elk who eat a lot of grass. Instead, they search their habitat for new tree shoots and foibles (weeds). They love aquatic plants that are found in the bottom of previously frozen bodies of water.
How does Moose Meat Taste Like?
Like wild game, the flavor of meat depends on the animal’s diet. Because of their richer diets, moose have a more gamey taste than deer, but less than elk.
The moose is a tasty, tender and delicious game meat. However, it is not available commercially. To experience its flavor, you will need a hunting license.
We recommend elk if you are looking for a new way to enjoy game meat. It is much easier to find and far more delicious than moose. Wild elk are not legally sold. They are raised in large open-pasture pens where they are controlled in their diet to reduce their gaminess.
Elk vs Moose – Final Thoughts
You should now be able to understand the differences between elk and moose, their habitats, diets, as well as how they taste.
To try elk meat, visit one of our highly recommended suppliers. You won’t regret it.
