KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Illegal elk killings are frustrating wildlife officials and outdoor enthusiasts. TWRA reports since 2000, there have been around 27 illegal elk killings.

John Perry, who takes his ATV into wilderness areas to observe elk, said the illegal killings are wrong.

“I mean they’re such beautiful animals,” Perry said. “For somebody to go out and poach, it’s wrong. It’s absolutely wrong.”

Tennessee brought elk back to the state 25 years ago. Officials with TWRA said about 400 are currently in the state. People can legally hunt them, but the odds of getting a license are long. Officials said they receive about 10,000 elk license applications, but only issue 19 licenses.

Matt Cameron with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said the elk are important to the state’s c

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