Elk in Highland County, VA?

[DCHiker]

Over the 4th of July weekend, my girlfriend and I were backpacking in the Laurel Fork area of the George Washington National Forest. The first night we set up camp along Slabcamp Run Trail next to a marshy area in a blueberry patch. At some point early in the morning, around dawn, we were awoken by this loud bugling (multiple times) from what sounded like an elk. Unfortunately, it was too dark and I wasn't able locate it. After a little research, I learn that elk from the Kentucky herd have moved into the southwest counties of Virginia that boarder the state, but nothing about elk moving any further north. Has anyone had any sightings/heard bugling, or know if elk have moved that far north?

[skinewmexico]

You might check the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation web site, I know they've being trying to start new herds in the east.

[DCHiker]

Thanks. I did see some information from them when I was searching around earlier. I'm just more curious than anything. I'm pretty confident it was an elk, though. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

[Summit]

They need to start a few herds around Elk Park and Banner Elk, NC. Native herds from which their names sprung are long gone.