Our elk is raised on 20,000 - 100,000 acre ranches in the northern Rocky Mountains where they roam freely, essentially wild. Our elk is 100% North American - something that might sound like it should be obvious. However, most elk meat available for order online is actually a species of red deer from New Zealand. Like all our other meat, this elk is free-range, grass-fed & grass-finished, and never administered hormones, steroids or antibiotics.

High Quality Grass Fed & Finished Elk Meat

Elk are also known by the more accurate name wapiti, which is an Americanized version of the Native word waapiti. This term came from the word wap which translates to white, in reference to white rump and tail area of the elk. The word waapiti was widely used by the Shawnee and Cree nations. The word elk comes from European settlers, and is misleading since in Europe the term is actually used as the name for moose.

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Wapiti have a history that in some ways mirrors that of the bison (“The Bison: A Lost Pillar of North American Ecosystems"). They were used and honored by Native Americans and First Nations peoples as a source of food, shelter, clothing and in some cultures playing a role in spirituality. There were a couple species of wapiti that were over-hunted to extinction, including the magnificent eastern elk which once roamed almost the entire nation.

The males of the species could weigh over 1000 pounds. Unfortunately, the last of their kind was hunted by European settlers in 1877. The species known as Merriam’s elk, once native to Arizona, was also hunted to extinction at this time. Nowadays, our modern species of wapiti are in no danger of extinction thanks to regulated hunting.

Elk Meat From Local Butchers In The Rocky Mountains

Elk meat is extremely nutrient dense, containing high amounts of concentrated vitamins and minerals while being lean and low calorie. It’s very high in protein, at about 23 grams of protein per three-ounce serving. This makes it a great food for weight loss, since a high protein diet will naturally decrease food consumption and boost the metabolism. Elk contains highly beneficial amounts of zinc. This mineral strengthens immunity and neutralizes free radicals, which helps protect against many diseases including cancer. Zinc has shown in studies to possibly be effective in preventing the common cold and other corona viruses.

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It also plays an important role in the production of cytokines, which are vital proteins necessary for proper cellular function. This meat also provides the body with niacin and B vitamins especially B12 and B6. One serving of elk actually provides 100% of the daily requirement for B12, a nutrient which prevents anemia, helps brain function and lowers risk for many diseases. It provides small but nutritive amounts of folate, calcium and vitamin E.

There are many delicious ways to prepare elk. It’s extremely tender and does not require marinating. Like bison, it should always be cooked less rather than more. Ground meat can be used for burgers, meatballs, spaghetti and tacos. If you’ve never tried elk medallions, you’re in for a real treat - ours are some of the best steaks you can buy online.

The medallions are the tenderloin of the elk and are so tender and juicy they practically melt in your mouth. Simply season with salt and pepper and sear to medium rare, letting the medallions rest for five to ten minutes before serving. Elk osso buco is a flavorful, nourishing option. Slow cook the shanks for optimal flavor and tenderness and if you’re a fan of bone marrow, enjoy by the spoonful or spread on some fresh locally baked bread.

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Delicious Elk Meat Straight To Your Door

Elk meat contains around half the calories compared with beef, and way less fat. Because elk are nearly always raised in a way very close to being wild, they are a far more sustainable choice than beef. Wild animals, and those raised technically in captivity but with minimal handling, are completely free to roam, forage and enjoy their lives.

When it comes to eating meat, this makes a huge difference energetically, nutritionally and ethically. Wapiti are super strong, healthy and resilient animals and consuming meat from robust animals gives us strength and health in our own bodies. When you decide to order elk meat online for the first time, you’ll likely be curious what it’s going to taste like.

The flavor could be described as similar to beef, but more flavorful, cleaner and with a slight touch of sweetness. Beck & Bulow is proud to offer the highest quality elk meat, whether you’re in the market for ground meat, elk short ribs, our incredibly popular elk medallions - some of the best steaks you can buy online - or elk leg shanks, we are passionate about delivering our fresh, wild elk meat straight from the ranch to your door.