Elk
Montana's favorite game animal is the elk. Elk roam the entire western side of Montana. However, elk, by nature are shy and elusive, so they are not easily hunted even with a camera. If you want to get that perfect picture of an elk, you may need to view them at wildlife preserves or game ranges.
Elk are one of the species of animal that have a very strong herding instinct. It is very rare to see an elk alone. Elk live in the high mountain meadows and clearings throughout western Montana. Elk feed in open areas and use the forests for cover and protection from the weather. They spend their summers at high elevations, and move to lower areas that are more sheltered in the winter. A single calf is born in the early spring and is camouflaged by the scattering of white spots on its back.
It is easy to spot the difference between male and female elk. Mature bulls usually have impressive antlers with five or six points on each main branch. Yearling bulls have tall antlers that do not branch out to points. Elk drop their antlers during March or April. Female elk, known as cows, do not have antlers. Therefore, when you spot an elk, you'll not only know what type of animal it is, you'll be able to tell if it is male or female – unless of course, it happens to be March or April.