WISCONSIN ELK STUDY PROGRESS REPORT No. 18

Wisconsin's experimental elk herd passed through its fourth deer-gun season without mishap. Eighteen deer camps within the study area were visited by research and U.S. Forest Service personnel prior to the season to alert hunters to the presence of elk and distribute information about how to distinguish them from deer. Hunter density within the area inhabited by elk ranged from 10/mi² on opening day to 2/mi² on the last day (average = 4.4/mile²⁾. Movements of the herd were monitored daily throughout the deer season. A few elk reacted mildly to the activity of hunters but no extraordinary movements occurred. All hunters that were contacted during the deer season were aware of the elk and were exercising the first critical rule of safe hunting, i.e., be certain of the target.

A benefit accrued from the deer season. A confirmed report of an additional calf in the experimental herd, i.e., at least 15 instead of 14 in 1998. A deer hunter observed and videotaped Bull No.7 (5 X 6) with Cow No.13 and her calf for 45 minutes during the deer season. Sight of the calf had eluded researchers during many observations of the cow during the summer. A condensed version of the hunter's video-tape is showing regularly at Deb's Y-go-By, a local social center in downtown Clam Lake.

The 1998 rut ended with the bulls separating from the cows and congregating on 4 November. Adult and yearling cows, and calves of the year also formed loose groups. One such group, which varied from 9 to 14 in number, was frequently seen near Highway 77, 2 miles west of Clam Lake, for 10 days in early November; a treat for local residents and tourists. The bull and cow groups continued activity patterns that were very similar to those of the summer months during the record mild weather of late November and first week in December. #9;