Kristi Noem poses with massive dead elk in graphic bow-hunting photos

Kristi Noem drew fresh backlash after posting graphic bow-hunting photos of a massive dead elk during a recent trip in Wyoming. The former South Dakota governor, 54, shared six pictures on Instagram showing her behind the animal while holding one of its antlers with a compound bow resting against the carcass. In the caption she called it a “super fun hunt” and thanked hunting buddies. Critics compared the post to Noem’s 2024 memoir, “No Going Back,” where she said she shot and killed a 14-month-old hunting dog she disliked. Noem responded to commenters by defending the hunt and invoking “stewardship responsibilities.”