Elk occur throughout Virginia (mainly west of the Blue Ridge Mountains)
Virginia and U.S. human populations grow, resulting in over-harvesting of elk.
Colonel G. Tuley harvests the last known elk in Virginia.
Elk are almost completely extirpated in the eastern United States.
140–150 elk are released in Virginia (nine counties west of the Blue Ridge and two east of the Blue Ridge) by the Virginia Game Commission.
An additional 43 elk are released in Giles and Botetourt Counties. A bull elk season is implemented.
Poor habitat, poor release locations, and over-harvest result in only two elk herds remaining (one in Giles/Bland County and one in Botetourt County).
Elk hunting activity/participation peaks in Virginia (1500 hunters)
The last regulated elk season occurs (Giles, Bland, Botetourt, and Bedford Counties).
Over a five-year period, Kentucky restores over 1500 elk in to the eastern counties of the state.
To suppress elk establishment in Virginia, DGIF authorizes the harvest of elk using a deer license. Elk harvested in Buchanan County.
DGIF works with Virginia Tech to conduct a feasibility study for elk restoration in Virginia.
DGIF Board directs staff to pursue a plan to restore 75 elk in Buchanan County and elk harvest was prohibited within the Elk Restoration Zone (Wise, Dickenson & Buchanan Counties).
71 total elk are captured in Kentucky and released in Buchanan County. (16 in 2012, 10 in 2013, 45 in 2014) with an additional 4 calves born while in captivity.
DGIF Board directs staff to create a 10-year Elk Management Plan.
The Virginia Elk Management Plan is adopted by the DGIF Board.
Legislation was passed that authorized DGIF to create an elk tag and create an elk harvest strategy within the Elk Management Zone (Wise, Dickenson, & Buchanan Counties).
The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR, formerly DGIF) estimates the elk herd at 250+ in Virginia.