About Nebraska Elk Velvet

This is the story of the beginning and end of the Kreycik Elk & Buffalo Ranch Covered Wagon Tours:

There once was a farmer/rancher named, Kenard Frank Kreycik. He loved the land and the animals he raised as well as love sharing it with anyone interested. Kenard loved to hunt, fish, and help his neighbors any chance he could. The most exciting hunting season was elk for Kenard. He loved the animal and the thrill of the hunt. After three hunting trips, he decided he loved the animal so much that he would rather raise elk than shoot them. So, the mission of seeking out elk farms and learning all he could about raising this majestic animal was on. Family vacations were focused on visiting elk farms in the Midwest and building relationships with those farmers.

The first three elk were purchased by the Kreycik family, 1 heifer, and 2 bulls. The tall fences were built; we were elk ranchers just like that. Over time we learned the velvet antler product was valuable to the Asian markets, (Read more about this under the Velvet Antler tab on this website). Kenard learned about harvesting the velvet antlers at 63 days of growth so he could start harvesting the antlers himself. He purchased more bulls to increase the bull elk herd and turned this hobby into an alternative agricultural business. Later a second business started by increasing the elk herd and investing in good genetics and quality nutrition. KSK Big Game Outfitters was an attractive venture with quality elk bulls and beautiful scenery.

The following year Kreycik Elk & Buffalo Ranch Covered Wagon Tours was born as the third alternative-ag business for the Kreycik’s. Many people would call or drive on the ranch to ask if they could see Kenard’s elk. Kenard loved showing off his elk to anyone, however, it was taking precious time away from work on the farm/ranch. A friend of the family suggested we start giving tours. Kenard along with a neighbor and friend built the first covered wagon to hold 30 people from a trailer house frame. The tours grew rapidly by word of mouth and a very attractive brochure. The tours started in 1995, Kenard lost his battle with bladder cancer in 2012 and the historic flood of 2019 was the deciding factor to end the tours after 23 years. The tours provided an immersion experience that couldn’t be found anywhere else. A ride in a covered wagon through picturesque hills with opportunities to hand feed a buffalo, pet an elk, and learn all about raising elk and buffalo on a working family farm/ranch. This legacy will never be forgotten by the thousands that experienced the Kreycik Elk & Buffalo Ranch Covered Wagon Tours adventure.