IDAHO FALLS -- The state Department of Fish and Game has extended its emergency search for dozens of domestic elk that escaped from a hunting reserve near Yellowstone National Park.

The search has been conducted on private land by landowners and on public lands by licensed hunters with valid elk tags.

The search of private lands will continue till October 31st, while the public-lands portion ended Saturday.

As many as 160 domesticated elk broke through a hole in wire fencing at veterinarian Rex Rammell's Chief Joseph private hunting reserve near Rexburg in mid-August.