Fall is breeding season for Michigan’s elk herd in the northern Lower Peninsula – a great time to see and hear one of the state’s most iconic animals.
From late September to early October, elk are more active as they search and compete for mates. During this time of year, elk tend to congregate in open fields and the males bugle loudly, making for a great opportunity to experience the wild herd. Hear an elk bugle courtesy of the National Park Service.
Elk can be found primarily in areas throughout the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Elk Management Area in Otsego, Montmorency, Presque Isle and Cheboygan counties. The DNR manages 13 elk viewing areas throughout the Pigeon River Country State Forest and Atlanta State Forest northeast of Gaylord.
Make sure to bring your binoculars, spotting scope or camera for close-up viewing while remaining a safe distance away from the elk. Road conditions in the viewing area are variable depending on weather. And remember to drive safely at dawn and dusk, when elk (and deer) are active and distracted during the breeding season.
The DNR estimates the elk population at 733 animals (with a sampling error of ±246), which aligns closely within the agency’s management goal of 500-900 elk. The DNR manages the elk herd for a higher proportion of bulls than many other states in order to maximize viewing opportunities such as bugling during the fall.
Learn more about elk and enjoy family-friendly activities Sept. 24-27 at the 42nd annual Atlanta Elk Festival, hosted by the Atlanta Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Staff from the DNR’s Wildlife Division will be at the festival Sept. 24-25, so stop by our booth in downtown Atlanta to discuss all things elk!
