The North American Wapiti

This large North American deer is closely related to the Old World red deer. It is commonly called elk in America. The wapiti is grayish brown, with a chestnut mane and yellowish rump patch and short tail. It is the largest of the deer family besides the moose; the male stands up to 150 cm at the shoulder and weighs up to 450 kg. The male has antlers with 5 or more points on each branch and up to a 150-cm spread.
Once the Great Plains were an unspoiled land where elk prospered. With the horse, big game such as buffalo and elk became the main source of food. Antelope and bears were also killed for food. Elk hides were used for teepee covers, for clothing, parfleches, moccasins.