In mid-January, Ohio State Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) introduced House Bill 641, dubbed the "Trails and Tails Act," sparking renewed interest in the possibility of reintroducing elk to the Buckeye State. This legislation doesn't guarantee the immediate release of these majestic animals but instead mandates a comprehensive study by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to evaluate the feasibility of bringing them back. As Ohio grapples with wildlife management challenges and seeks ways to boost rural economies, HB 641 could mark a turning point in restoring a piece of the state's natural heritage.
Bugling elk were once a common sight across Ohio's landscapes, roaming freely in the region's forests and prairies during the pre-settlement era. Native American tribes, like the Wyandots and Delaware, coexisted with elk, and the animals played a role in local ecosystems and cultures—the Muskingum River's name may even derive from Delaware words meaning "elk's eye."
But like many other places across America, European settlement brought about rapid changes. Unregulated hunting, habitat destruction from agriculture and logging, and competition with livestock led to the extirpation of elk in Ohio by the mid-19th century. The last confirmed native eastern elk, a subspecies distinct from the Rocky Mountain elk found in the West, was killed in Ashtabula County around 1840. By 1880, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared the eastern elk extinct. Today, while occasional escaped or wandering elk from neighboring states make headlines, Ohio is without any viable and established wild populations.
Introduced on January 12th, and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee just last week, HB 641 is a bipartisan effort aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation. Sponsored primarily by Rep. Pizzulli, the bill requires ODNR to conduct two separate studies with a total appropriation of $3 million from the general revenue fund for fiscal year 2026. Of this, $1 million is allocated to the Division of Wildlife for assessing elk reintroduction in state forests and wildlife areas, while $2 million goes to the Division of Parks and Watercraft for evaluating side-by-side vehicle trail expansions in parks like Shawnee, East Fork, and Salt Fork.
The elk study must cover key aspects, including habitat suitability in areas like southeastern Ohio's forests, potential ecological impacts, risks of diseases such as chronic wasting disease, logistics for sourcing and relocating elk, economic benefits from tourism and hunting, and strategies for long-term management and monitoring. A final report is due by December 30, 2028, with any unspent funds reappropriated for the following fiscal year. As of right now, the bill remains in committee, with no further actions reported.
Supporters, including Pizzulli, argue that the act could revitalize rural economies in districts like Scioto, Adams, and Brown counties by attracting tourists and hunters, similar to programs in other states.
If the study yields positive results, Ohio could join states like Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Michigan in hosting thriving elk populations. Kentucky's program, for instance, has grown to over 10,000 elk since reintroductions began in the 1990s, generating millions in tourism revenue through guided tours, viewing events, and regulated hunting. Ohio might see similar benefits, including increased non-resident hunting licenses and eco-tourism.
However, critics point to Ohio's fragmented habitats, which may not support large herds without conflicts—such as crop damage, vehicle collisions, or the spread of CWD. Skeptics point to the fact that management costs could eventually strain ODNR resources, especially amid declining hunter numbers and existing deer overpopulation issues. Past assessments, like a 2015 Ohio State University study, identified potential sites but also highlighted these risks.
Ultimately, HB 641 represents a cautious first step that, if passed and recommended, could see reintroduction kick off in the late 2020s or early 2030s. At this point, public input, scientific rigor, and cross-state collaboration will be key to determining if elk bugles will echo once more in Ohio's hills.
