Preston, you are correct, the Roosevelt are a sub species, they were not planted ,the only elk that were planted were done so on a few islands in Alaska,these were taken from Olymic Natl. park.The other sub species is called the tule elk these are found in Calif. These are smaler in size and such ,the differencs between the species is because of habitat the Roosevelt have larger bodies and horn m*** ( weight) because of the abondant food source available and brushy terrain ,the Rocky Mount Elk were considered a plains animal ,therefor their body size is slighty smaller with taller horns not the m*** or weight of the Roosevelts .On a genetic level they are all the same animal, the changes in bodies and horn m*** is due to their adaptation to their different geograghical ares of the country.
Olympic national park was originaly called Olympic natl monument,Roosevelt wanted it changed to Elk natl. monument,all to preserve this large herd of Elk.This entire area ( it has been reduced over the years) was set a side by people who had foresite...for some reason they had this notion to try and preserve a natural resource for futher generations to hunt and enjoy...go figure WOW what a concept

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

[This message has been edited by Osprey (edited 07-13-2000).]