Wednesday, March 21, 2018
In 1989, the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) was directed by the state legislature to explore the feasibility of successfully reintroducing elk, moose and caribou. It was determined that an elk reintroduction could succeed in Wisconsin, while reintroductions of moose or caribou likely would not. The reintroduction of elk began in 1995 with 25 elk from Michigan to the Clam Lake area of southern Ashland County. The herd has grown since 1995 to about 200 animals in 2018. After extensive monitoring that helped guide elk herd management decisions, it was determined by the DNR that there could be a limited harvest. The first elk hunting season will be introduced fall 2018.
If you’re interest in learning more about the reintroduction of elk and elk management in Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Digital Archives. There you will find state documents specifically about the elk herds in Wisconsin and updates about the herds’ growth.
For more information about the elk season dates, how to obtain a harvest tag and regulations about the elk hunting season can be found on the DNR website.
Post written by: Abby Swanton, Resources for Libraries and Lifelong Learning