What’s the Value of Elk Ivory Teeth? A Price Guide

Elk ivory teeth, also known as elk ivories, buglers, or whistlers, are an often overlooked prize from harvesting these majestic animals. While not as valuable as elephant ivory, elk ivories do have a niche collector’s market. Read on to learn what impacts their worth and how much these unique teeth typically sell for.

A Brief History of Elk Ivories as Valuables

Elk ivory teeth are evolutionary remnants from when elk ancestors sported full tusks for fighting, like the modern muntjac deer still does today. Even after elk evolved antlers for battling over mates, they retained a final pair of upper canine tusks.

For centuries, Native Americans prized these ivories as decorative objects. Tribes also used them as a form of currency for trading.

Today elk ivories are not an official monetary commodity. But they still carry intrigue and collectibility as unique wildlife artifacts

What Impacts the Value of Elk Ivories

Several factors influence the price of elk ivory teeth:

• Matched pairs – Selling two matching upper canines together brings much higher prices than single ivories.

• Condition – Ivories free of cracks chips, and root damage are most desirable. Staining lowers value somewhat.

• Size – Larger elk ivory teeth from mature bulls are generally worth more.

• Provenance – Knowing details like animal age and harvest location adds to collector appeal.

• Rarity – While elk are common, few people harvest and sell their ivories, keeping supply low.

• Craftability – Teeth with intact roots have more uses for jewelry, décor, etc.

With those value factors in mind, what is the typical price range for elk ivory teeth?

Typical Price Ranges for Elk Ivories

Most individual elk ivory teeth sell for $5 to $15. Here are some pricing examples from current online listings:

• Single stained elk ivory – $5

• Matched pair of polished ivories – $20

• Large 7″ bull elk ivories – $30

• Root intact for crafting – Add $5-10

• Damaged/cracked tooth – $2-3

Exceptional specimens in pristine condition from mature trophy bulls can sometimes fetch $50 or more. But that is less common.

Average matched pairs with light staining tend to be $15 to $40.

So realistically, calculate each elk ivory tooth at $4 to $10 on average.

Recouping Your Investment from Elk Hunts

For hunters pursuing elk primarily for meat, earning back a small portion of the hunt cost through ivory sales can be a nice bonus.

• For example, a Colorado over-the-counter elk tag runs around $600.
• Getting $30 for a matched pair of ivories recoups 5% of that upfront cost.

Any money earned above meat value is a smart way to leverage this natural resource. But don’t expect to cash in big time.

Regulations on Selling Elk Ivories

Before selling any animal parts, be sure to check state hunting regulations. Transport and sales laws vary.

Federal law prohibits ivory trade only from African elephants, whale species, and a few other animals. Elk ivories can be freely sold anywhere in the U.S.

But some states restrict commercial trafficking of certain animal products. Review the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guide for state-by-state ivory and bone sale regulations.

When in doubt, contact your state wildlife agency for clarification on laws before selling elk ivories.

Preserving Elk Teeth as Valuable Mementos

Beyond monetary gain from sales, most hunters choose to keep elk ivories as priceless memories. Their uniqueness alone makes them special souvenirs.

Here are some ideas for making the most of your elk ivories:

• Create jewelry from the teeth to wear as a reminder of your hunt.

• Craft elk ivory cufflinks, tie clips, or other accessories.

• Display the ivories together creatively in a shadow box frame.

• Use a pair of elk teeth to make a unique Christmas tree ornament.

• Have a taxidermist expertly preserve and mount the ivories.

• Give one ivory to your taxidermist to replicate in the mouth of a shoulder mount.

However you choose to use them, elk ivory teeth offer the perfect natural memento of your wilderness elk hunting experiences.

The Unique Value of Elk Ivories

While elk ivory teeth rarely carry an extravagant price tag these days, their uniqueness still makes them a special prize. With proper care and creative use, they become an invaluable keepsake. Plus, recouping just a bit of hunting investment through sales is an added bonus.

So next time you harvest an elk, be sure to extract those small but memorable ivories. They represent a tangible piece of wilderness adventure that stays with you for a lifetime.