Michigan’s Elk Management Plan

By Glen Wunderlich

A new Elk Management Plan was approved by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Rodney Stokes at the April 5 meeting of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) in Lansing.  The plan incorporates an adaptive approach to management, whereby necessary changes to the plan can be implemented based on results.

Michigan’s current elk herd in an area north of Atlanta is the result of a release of seven animals from “various city parks and public institutions” in 1918 about three miles southeast of Wolverine. The herd grew steadily with estimates of 300-400 in 1939 and 900 to 1,000 in 1958.  The Department of Natural Resources (department) is officially charged with the management of resident wildlife in Michigan by virtue of a 1996 referendum requiring the department to use principles of sound scientific management in decisions relative to the taking of game.  With this in mind, the department has unveiled a new elk management plan with the following goals: Read more

Michigan’s New Draft of Elk Management Plan

With everything in constant change, Michigan’s elk herd must be managed, as well.

The draft goals are as follows:

  • Goal 1: Manage for a sustainable elk population in balance with the habitat.
  • Goal 2: Use hunting as the primary method to control elk numbers, herd composition and distribution.
  • Goal 3: Enhance public understanding of elk in Michigan.

There is a public open house set for Wednesday, November 9 from 7-9 PM at the Eagles Hall in Gaylord; 515 S. Wisconsin Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735. The DNR will solicit public input on the draft plan at this time.

The entire plan is here:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/Elk_Plan_Draft_8_26_11__2__366379_7.pdf