Hunter Harvests Rare ‘Piebald’ Elk

Hunter Harvests Rare Piebald ElkHot Springs Star reported: One of the things that appeal to people who enjoy hunting the Southern Black Hills of Fall River County is the variety of wildlife that can be found in the area. From big game, like whitetail deer, mule deer, antelope and elk; to birds like pheasants, grouse, ducks, geese and turkeys – variety is the spice of life.

But once in awhile, even the normal wide array of hunting opportunities can take on a different color – literally.

Such was the case for local hunting enthusiast Jason Schnackenberg of Oral, who harvested a rare Piebald cow elk on Oct. 5, 2012, southwest of Pringle on his family’s ranch, despite having the opportunity to shoot the typically more sought-after and much larger herd bull elk.

His rare elk was on display as a full-body mount at the First Interstate Bank in Hot Springs for the past three weeks. It was recently moved however to be on display at the First Interstate Bank in Custer.

The “Piebald” effect is something that can be found naturally in the wild in both deer and elk, and is sometimes also referred to in the deer family as “calico” or “pinto.” Read on…..

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