MADISON — Elk near Clam Lake, Wisconsin, have been seen and heard bugling in the state’s northern elk range in recent days, but the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also wants to know if some of those elk are moving outside their normal areas.
While most breeding activity occurs within their established territory in September and October, younger bull elk have been known to wander great distances this time of year in search of unoccupied territory and lower competition for female elk.
It is not uncommon to see elk in southern Ashland, southern Bayfield, Price, Rusk and Sawyer counties in northern Wisconsin or in Jackson County in west-central Wisconsin. Anyone who sees an elk outside of those ranges is encouraged to report their sighting online using the DNR's large-mammal observation form available at apps.dnr.wi.gov/wildlifeobservation .
Reports with photos are helpful, if possible, but all reports are welcome. Additionally, elk may sport unique identifiers such as ear tags or orange GPS tracking collars. If tag or collar numbers are easily visible, please include that information in the report, as that information is helpful for DNR staff.
“Many elk are on the move this time of year,” said Christina Kizewski, DNR wildlife biologist. “Tracking the movements of these animals is an important, yet difficult part of our work. The reports we get from the public are a huge help towards these efforts.”
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The DNR also reminds people who may be heading to the Clam Lake area to observe elk to be careful on the roadways — watch where you stop and pull well out of the driving lane — and not “over call” if attempting to get the male elk to call back.
Once widespread across North America, elk were eliminated from Wisconsin in the 1880s due to unregulated hunting. They were reintroduced in northern Wisconsin in 1995 and in central Wisconsin in 2015. The Wisconsin elk population is estimated at 515 at this point of summer, with 160 elk in the central herd and 355 in the northern herd.
More information on elk reintroduction and management is available at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/elk .
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