elk vs. whitetail question?

I have read that elk will tend to push out deer. Here's one reference:

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=7654

However I can't say that I really notice that when I'm out hunting. I've seen them in close proximity quite often.

Added:

Mulies actually, and yes, both in what seem like normal numbers. I suppose its possible that whitetail are more skittish. Mulies are a little bigger.

When you're out hunting elk and following their tracks in the snow (with heavy elk scent) you always will notice the deer tracks running right along the same trails. So I just don't see a whole lot of evidence that the deer are that concerned with elk in the same area.

Takes a long time but I think as their numbers increase you'll be happy to have the elk. Its a lot of meat and they're a great challenge to hunt. That will likely take many years though.

I hunted elk in 4 different states and found elk only run off dear near the herd. My brother and I were following an elk herd while our dad waited back at the truck. The elk pushed out some mule deer and dad bagged a nice buck about a 1/8th mile from the elk. So yes they move the deer but not far. I have watched elk grazing with deer just a few hundred yards from them also grazing. You see elk don’t like anything near the herd. There is always one dominant cow in the heard who is on a constant look out. If she gets wind of an intruder she alerts the herd. During the high point of the rut elk aren’t as organized with the bulls fighting over the cows. At that time they are more likely to ignore a deer if it stays a reasonable distance from them. And it doesn’t take long for deer to develop a fear of getting close to elk, they learn real fast. So they can coexist in an area. I have been on vast ranches in Montana that had whitetail deer and elk all over the place.

The State of Kansas did this years ago. Yes, elk do take over, but I don't see that as a big deal. ( just a bigger steak ) Elk meat is very good. BUT more then anything else there will always be plenty of room for the Whitetails. It will just be really cool to hear a elk bugle in the West Virgina hills.

As with many things sir, sit down relax, wait and see how it goes. Mother Nature takes care of such things. Just dig up some good Elk chilli recipes. :-)

I haven't heard anybody in Michigan complain about this. Our elk herd is mostly in the northeastern counties (Gaylord/Vanderbilt area, if you want to check a map).