The Shawnee could hold a nice herd of elk if the state allowed them to be introduced.

I read something a couple of years ago from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation that the RMEF wanted to introduce them to the Shawnee, but the IDNR had said no. The species that lived in Illinois was killed out in the early 1800's and the IDNR did not want to introduce an alien species.

There are a few running around western Illinois that have escaped from elk farms, some get killed by deer hunters each year.

If you wanted one- I attended an exotic animal auction last year and saw two mature 300" plus 6x6 and 6x7 bulls sell for $800-1200. Big buffalo bulls sold for $600.

Personally, I wish elk would be introduced. I also wish they would release bears in the Shawnee. I think they would thrive down there. The problems lie with people, not nature.