North American Elk Breeders Association
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NAEBA's 22nd Annual Conference & International Antler Competition
August 2-4, 2012 - Northland Inn, Minneapolis, MN
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The Elk Industry

North American elk, or wapiti, are among the most majestic animals on the continent. Second largest of the deer family, exceeded only by the moose, elk once ranged over all of Canada, the United States (except for Florida) and northern Mexico. Elk and man have interacted since the earliest human habitation of the continent. Elk bone and antler have been found in some of the oldest human inhabited sites in North America, and accounts of the early European explorers mention the strong impression these proud animals made on them.

The ranching of elk in North America goes back to at least the mid-nineteenth century, following a tradition of ranching of native species that extends back to the beginnings of agriculture. There are an estimated 150-160,000 farmed elk in North America, descended from generations of domesticated stock. Today, the capture of elk from the wild is illegal, and no reputable elk rancher will have any part of such activities.

The ranching of elk has grown tremendously over the past 20 years, and particularly in the last decade. In 1990, 35 prominent elk ranchers came together to found the North American Elk Breeders Association, or NAEBA, to promote elk ranching as an agricultural pursuit. Headquartered near Kansas City, Missouri, NAEBA today has more than 1800 members from the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

In addition to information about elk farming, this website contains comprehensive and accurate resources regarding chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological disorder that affects animals such as deer and elk.

Active membership in NAEBA is open to anyone who owns elk, and associate membership is open to other interested persons. Thanks for visiting us.

Mission Statement

With the participation of our members, North American Elk Breeders Association strives to protect, promote and enhance the North American Elk Industry.

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