New Doc Celebrates Resurgence of North American Elk

Once driven to near extinction by man's folly – overhunting – the surviving population of North American Elk continues to thrive as a result of concentrated conservation efforts. Outdoor Sportsman Group's Outdoor Channel brings this story to life on Monday, Sept. 12 at 9 p.m. ET with "Saving America’s Monarchs: The Story North America’s Elk."

"Saving America's Monarchs" is an original documentary from Petersen's Hunting, written and produced by Petersen's Hunting publisher Kevin Steele, that shares the tale of the conservation, preservation and re-introduction of the North American Elk, from the Ohio River Valley to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The documentary follows a traditional, tented elk hunt deep within the Rocky Mountains at the height of the rut.

Interviews with staff from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation corroborate the tales of conservation and reintroduction. The documentary also explores the first efforts by American notables President Theodore Roosevelt; author, philosopher, teacher and conservationist Aldo Leopold and anthropologist, historian, naturalist and writer George Bird Grinnell calling attention to the decline of the elk population in the west.

"The tale of America's elk reintroduction, from remnant bands in the Rocky Mountains to today's thriving herds from coast-to-coast, is arguably America's most important conservation story," Steele said. "It's both a compelling and amazing story that needed to be told from the perspective of hunters/conservationists that strived for more than a century to make it the success it has become."

The documentary continues with the challenges – the highs and lows – of elk hunting, the deep traditions of the American West and how the plains animal migrated to the mountains to escape the overhunting that nearly led to its extinction.

Finally, after taking a look at how many people make their livelihoods from these "American Monarchs," the documentary concludes with a triumphant look at the role conservation has played in the resurgence and future of the North American Elk population. Through the cooperation of biologists, hunters, conservationists, politicians, local and non-residents who all share a passion and common purpose, the North American Elk, as well as the lands they roam, are maintained and bountiful.

About Outdoor Sportsman Group Publishing: As a premier destination for the most avid outdoors enthusiasts, Outdoor Sportsman Group’s publishing division is widely recognized for its strong special-interest multichannel brands, including Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s Hunting, In-Fisherman and 11 other leading magazines that reach more than 28 million readers. Outdoor Sportsman Group’s network of websites, including OutdoorChannelPlus.com, BassFan.com, Outdoorchannel.com, Sportsmanchannel.com and WFN.com, attracts more than 78 million annual unique visitors, and OSG TV produces hundreds of TV episodes of original branded hunting, sport shooting and fishing programming that airs on Outdoor Sportsman Group’s broadcast entities. Visit http://outdoorsg.com for more information. #MyOutdoorTV

About Outdoor Channel: Outdoor Channel has been taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of Outdoor Sportsman Group and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. #WhatGetsYouOutdoors. #MyOutdoorTV