About

Our Story

In 1994, Jan Elsworth and Richard Forrest purchased their first domestic elk. Jan, an occupational therapist, and Rich, a geologist, quickly discovered that elk ranching was their true calling.

Just a few years later, in 1997, they purchased an old cattle ranch in Del Norte, Colorado, and began transforming it into their dream elk ranch. By 1998, elk roamed the once cattle-filled pastures as Jan and Rich focused on breeding stock and velvet antler production.

Recognizing a growing opportunity in the meat market, they began processing their own animals to offer a niche, American-raised alternative in a New Zealand wapiti–dominated industry. Their first store was humble—the original homestead cabin, outfitted with two chest freezers and a wood stove that didn’t work. With handmade signage along the highway and a friendly wave from Jan as she drove up and down the driveway, curious travelers began to stop by. Jan’s daughter, Morgan, offered ranch tours during feeding times, further welcoming visitors and sharing their passion for elk ranching.

A few years later, Jan had a groundbreaking idea: commercial antler dog chews. While they existed on a small scale, she brought them to the broader market—sparking a new wave of demand and growth for the business.

In 2013, Jan was diagnosed with cancer and passed away shortly after. Her loss deeply affected Rich and the ranch, but he continued their shared vision. Following her passing, Morgan became more involved in daily operations, focusing on animal care and product procurement. Her husband, Jeremiah, joined shortly after, working alongside Rich in product development and sourcing.

When Rich passed away in 2022 after a brief illness, Morgan and Jeremiah made the decision to leave their professional careers—Morgan as a registered nurse and Jeremiah as a telecom engineer—to continue the legacy full time.

Today, with the help of their small but dedicated team, ElkUSA and Grande Premium Meats remain committed to providing the highest quality elk, bison, and specialty meats to customers across the country.

We’re proud to carry forward Jan and Rich’s dream—and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Pictured left to right: Morgan, "Hank-Hankerson" the Elk, and Jeremiah

Meet Our Team

Shellie

Shellie has been part of our team since 2016. She’s truly a jack of all trades—working in the office, packing orders, caring for the elk, handling local deliveries, and helping wherever she’s needed. Her dedication and versatility keep our operation running smoothly.

Diana

Diana joined us in 2019 and is an essential part of our office and store operations. She handles order packing and provides outstanding customer service in our on-site store. She plays an important role in keeping operations efficient and ensuring every order receives the care and accuracy our customers expect.

Brandon

With us since 2013, Brandon started out helping with antler cutting, order packing, and general ranch work. Today, he serves as our dedicated driver—delivering products to Denver and picking up finished goods from our processors. His reliability and commitment help keep our supply chain strong.

Daniel

Daniel, Jeremiah’s brother, joined the team in 2022. He focuses primarily on the farming and ranching side of the operation, ensuring our hay crops are well-prepared for the elk and managing daily ranch maintenance and feeding. During the busy season, you’ll also find him packing orders and cutting antlers. His hard work and adaptability make him a key part of our success.

Pictured left to right: Morgan, Jeremiah, Brandon, Shellie, Diana, and Daniel