Elk is hunted as a game species, and their meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken. Elk were long believed to belong to a subspecies of the European red deer (Cervus elaphus), but evidence from many mitochondrial DNA genetic studies beginning in 1998 shows that the two are distinct species.
Elk are hunted for sport, and their meat is leaner and more protein-rich than beef or chicken. Elk were previously thought to be a subspecies of the European red deer (Cervus elaphus), but genetic research starting in 1998 has shown they are separate species.