RHINELANDER, Wis. (WJFW) – Over the past few years, hunters have been able to hunt elk in the Clam Lake area. But recently a new herd in the Black River area is making a comeback allowing a new opportunity for hunters. Wildlife Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR Christina Kizewski said elk were widespread in Wisconsin until around 1880 when they were completely eradicated due to unregulated hunting.