Yes, elk were a native species. And so were buffalo when they migrated through or wintered in some areas. Although man wasn't on that list. This isn't the 15th or 16th century. Being some of the least productive soils in the US, it is primarily utilized by grass production making cattle very important to the people and the state. Why should a gov. agency even consider introducing a species which is available due to the fact they are causing a negative impact within the state of Ark. Just because they were once here is justification?

In the Western states the elk stay at higher elevation in the mountains during the growing season, not effecting grazing or hay production. The ranches tolerate the elk when they migrate to the lower elevations for the winter. Its much easier to protect hay than a hay crop in the field. Introduced into Missouri the elk will habitat will remain in one area and the cattlemen adjoining the elk habitat will be affected continually.

Arkansas is wanting to reduce the elk herd due to the damage to private property and yet MDC is wanting to bring those big destructive animals into the state. This clearly indicates MDC doesn't care about the potential impact on private property. Its time to get the Congressmen and Senators involved.

Sounds fishy to me.

If the Conservation Commission has the excess money to spend on an elk herd one might think the people would be better served with a reduction in license fees.

The landowners in the Buffalo River area thought how nice until they got a taste of how destructive these large animals are to the farms and hay fields. Glad I don't live in any of these areas.

He raised the brat and now the taxpayers will have to foot the bill for her spanking.

What are the facts?

Some will agree or disagree with cuts, and that's OK. I'm confident Gov. Nixon will not allow Missouri to fall into the financial disarray many states are dealing with.

What happened to this young man is a tragedy. Water is actually a hostile environment for a human. Most drownings occur due to an individuals decisions. I have known grown men to make decisions in the water that didn't work. These accidents will happen every year to people of all ages. The ones that bother me is when a child ends up in the water or situation and has not been taught what he or she needs to know in order to survive the situation. Many people that know how to swim do not understand the force of water. How often do you hear of a car being swept off in a creek?