The term ELKS refers to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a fraternal organization in the United States. The CLUB is commonly referred to as the Elks Lodge or simply the Elks. The organization was founded in 1868 and has over one million members. The word 'WAPITIS' is derived from the Native American term for white-tailed deer, which is the symbol of the Elks. WAPITIS are also known as elk, which is why they are associated with the Elks.