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CITIZENS ASKED TO REPORT ELK SIGHTINGS LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources asks the public to report all elk sightings during November, December and January. The range of elk and their distribution within the range has changed over time, and updated information is needed for planning a population survey. "An accurate population survey is key to assessing our elk management goals," said Glen Matthews, Northeast Wildlife Management Unit Supervisor. "People who travel in the elk range often observe these animals. We would like to begin recording as many of these observations as possible to refine our survey procedures." According to Wildlife Biologist Brian Mastenbrook, the Nov. 15-30 firearm deer season is a good opportunity to gather information on elk distribution because so many people spend time in the roughly 700-square-mile section of the northcentral Lower Peninsula that makes up the elk range. The DNR elk population objective is 800 to 900 animals in the winter herd. Maintaining the herd at this level provides viewing opportunities while minimizing crop, range and forest damage. To report sightings, complete the elk observation report form on the DNR Web site at www.michigandnr.com. Click on Wildlife Resources and then go to Wildlife Observations. Or call or visit DNR offices in Roscommon (989-275-5151), Gaylord (989-732-3541) or Atlanta (989-785-4251).
Source: MDNR |