Elk Conservation and Management -- Part 5

Population Enumeration and Dynamics To get an idea of the numbers of elk that are out there to work with, surveying comes into play. Elk can be counted via aerial census, or estimated by observations and reports form hunters, rangers, and others in the field. Another useful way of estimating elk populations, is the use of road side harvest surveys where the elk harvest is counted and aged when hunters stop. Along with enumeration, the carrying capacity of the range has to be taken in account. Also, the effect of competition for food and the effect cattle along with other wildlife have on the range will determine how many elk the area can support.

A natural population fluctuates from year to year. One year there may be tons of elk, the next year, not quite so many. It's best to allow for fluctuations, and not be too intent on keeping them at a constant number. A year or so with fewer elk, can put less pressure on their range, and allow the carrying capacity to increase, so that more will be able to be supported. This is very important in elk management since the elk's winter range usually has a lot of pressure on it.

Special Considerations

At last we come to some special considerations regarding elk. One of which is elk reintroduction. The Rocky Mountain elk has been transferred to a number of areas once inhabited by other subspecies and are doing well. A group of Roosevelt elk was released to Afgonak Is., AK, as well (Graf 1955). The elk that are found in North Dakota today are Rocky Mountain elk, some released on purpose, and some like the Badlands herd, got there from an accidental release in 1977 (Williams 1981). As earlier mentioned, elk seem to be highly adaptable, and do well in almost any area.

Although adaptable, at one point in time, elk populations were plummeting, and elk were in danger of going the same route as the bison, with extreme reduction of numbers. Elk refuges were set up to correct the problem. When Yellowstone National Park came along, many feel that it was the largest contributor to the continuance of the Rocky Mountain elk population. It was set up during a time when elk populations were rapidly being depleted, thousands being killed and going unused. Yellowstone protected the elk living within it, and may be the reason that the Rocky Mountain elk survived, when subspecies such as the Merriam elk, and eastern elk were driven to extinction.

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