Elk ranching ‘nice change’ from dentist’s day job

Luckless elk hunters can still fill their freezers this year, thanks to elk rancher Bob Ebert. Finding elk ranching a nice change from his day job as a dentist, Ebert operates Coeur d’Alene Elk Co. from an 83-acre spread 12 miles south of Coeur d’Alene.

Ebert calls the meat “the healthy alternative,” due to its low-fat and cholesterol, and high protein content.

Selling bulls with extra large antlers to hunting ranches for as much as $20,000 each, he also offers hunters the opportunity to harvest their own cow elk for $900. Hides, antlers, head mounts and antler chandeliers are side products of the business.

Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Ebert graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1981. Along with his wife Karen, he taught school in Wyoming before moving to Coeur d’Alene in 1991.

His joy of working outdoors and fascination with wapiti makes this a fun sideline business. The current herd numbers about 300, with more than 100 calves born in the spring.

What is your job title? “Owner and operator of the Coeur d’Alene Elk Co.”

How long have you been doing this? “Since 1996.”

How did you choose this line of work? “I have a background in farming in Wisconsin and a strong interest in elk. I did a lot of research before starting the business. This work is totally different from dental practice, which I also love.”

Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “(d), It’s a lot of work for the money.”

What is the best thing about your job? “Interacting with the animals. You become part of the herd.”

What is the worst thing about your job? “Slaughtering animals.”

Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “(a) Until retirement.”

Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “One day I was sitting on my tractor in the field when a big bull came right up to my face. I asked him, ‘What are you going to do, give me a kiss?’ Just then, the elk stuck his tongue in my mouth. Playing with the animals is always fun.”

Any bad experiences? “There have been some injuries when working with the elk. Once, in the barn, a big elk ran at me and tried to ram me with his antlers. One antler went around the side of me, missing my body. I was knocked to the floor, but fortunately, he didn’t stomp on me.”

If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you? “The staff in my office suggested Harrison Ford.”