Elk (Skyrim)

Elk are non-hostile animals found in the wild and can be hunted for their venison, antlers and hide. Their hide is used in smithing, and when using a tanning rack, it can be turned into two pieces of leather, which then can be used in armor-making. Their antlers can be used as alchemy ingredients. Their venison can be used in cooking or can be eaten raw.

Elk are very common and, with the right hunting tactics, fairly easy to kill, though they have slightly more health than deer.

Behavior
They can often be seen running from other predators such bears and hunters. Although normally passive, the elk will still attack the Dragonborn if spells like Fury are cast on it and if the Dragonborn is the closest thing to the elk. Elk can also be seen wandering together with deer. With the right tactics, you can kill both of them and get easy leather and antlers.

Combat strategy
Elk are relatively weak, but fast. Two effective tactics are to sneak attack from a distance with a bow or dual-cast Destruction spells, such as Firebolt. Melee weapons like a sword can be used to strike elk, but the attack must land quickly because elk flee when startled. The Unrelenting Force, Ice Form, and Kyne's Peace shouts can be used to immobilize elk.

Elk can be reanimated with the Conjuration spell Raise Zombie. They do not aid their summoner in combat, but can be used as a distraction. Another easy way to hunt elk is to use shouts such as Frost Breath or Fire Breath to kill them instantly. The illusion spells Fury and Calm also work to make them vulnerable to your attack.

Using frostbite venom potions on arrows is advised when hunting elk.

Loot

 * Deer hide
 * small antlers
 * Venison
 * Gems (rare)

Trivia

 * Male elk are larger and have darker fur and have larger antlers than females.

Bugs

 * Sometimes, elk can run along the ground underwater.
 * Sometimes, when an elk is killed, it will turn vertically with its head in the ground and become impossible to loot.

Appearances


Elch Alce Alce