creative writing - some peices have been published into The Stylus - recently ranked 3rd best college paper in the state of Missouri.

1. Max Miller<br />Reporting II – Gary Marx<br />Short Story<br />Elk make a return to Missouri<br />Conservation officials have announced that Elk will be reinstated to the state of Missouri within the next few years coming from along a few hundred year eradication of the species. The species of Elk was very abundant before humans took control of the landscape, controlling the species populations and breeding. Hunted to dwindled numbers along side with the prairie native buffalo, these animals have a new interest with wildlife conservationists. <br />The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation are helping states like Missouri reunite these animals to select remote counties where in the near future, priced hunts can take place. <br />Now this does not mean we will see in Platte and Clay counties Elk roaming around any time soon. “Bringing back Elk will be a long process, we won’t be able to hunt these animals for at least another 10 or so years,” says Justin Rich, avid hunter and conservationist.<br />These animals are being breed in large ranches in south west Tennessee, where when ready approximately 150 of these animals will be released to three southeastern counties in Missouri. Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties were chosen because they lack of development and is the most remote sections of the state. Fewer roads equate to less Elk traffic accidents which will be important because these animals weight anywhere from 1200 pounds to 2500 for full grown bull size. Any traffic collision with these animals will be a complete catastrophe.<br />Even though, approximately 250,000 acres of land will be initially be setup and left for the Elk to roam and reproduce, hopefully repopulating the species numbers. Already similar states such as Arkansas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin have been restoring elk to the habits. <br />Every elk that gets raised on the ranch then gets placed into the transition of being freed into the ecosystem will get assigned a radio collar, always giving a signal to the Conservation Department of Missouri. The data that will be collected will be able to track the elk’s migration patterns. Also it will demonstrate how successful these animals are with the every so adaptive nature of mankind’s presence. <br />Hunters in the near future will be able to have the opportunity to travel to the south eastern part of the state and setup Elk hunts in the Ozark Mountains. Giving an experience that has not been around since 1865, when the estimated time the elk was eliminated from European settlers in the massive land grab. Being able to restore eco-tourism to a low income area of the state will finically be a great idea. Hunters bring big check books when needing guided tours, lodging, firearms, licenses and tags and not to mention the butcher. Some estimates can range these hunts could cost up to $20,000. Hunting big game is giving the ultimate experience for avid hunters in the Midwest, with countless pictures and stories to tell for ages to come. <br /> <br />