WISCONSIN ELK STUDY PROGRESS REPORT NO.5

TO: Advisory Committee Members

Twenty-five elk, from a single herd, were captured and placed in quarantine in Michigan 29 January 1995. The herd consists of 3 adult bulls (antlers removed upon capture), 4 bull calves, 6 adult cows, 5 yearling cows, and 7 female calves. They were tested for TB, blue tongue, anaplasmosis, and brucellosis and found to be clear of these diseases on 1 February, the beginning date of the 90-day quarantine period. Blood samples were collected for pregnancy tests and genetic analysis and archiving. All adult cows and 3 of 5 yearlings were pregnant. All elk were given vitamins, an internal parasite treatment, and a metal ID ear-tag. Radio-transmitters were placed on 15 elk to test reactions and durability.

A second test for disease will be conducted between day-50 and day-90. Elk will be treated for external parasites, and receive an implanted microchip for ID and the remaining transmitters. If disease tests are again negative, they will be ready for shipment to Wisconsin on day-91. Transport will be in livestock trailers for the 12-hour journey.

All of the elk are in good condition. They are eating well and are conditioned to the 3-acre quarantine pen with an 80% opaque mesh attached to the fence. The Wisconsin release pen is similar in size with the same opaque material that will create a familiar environment and minimize spontaneous escape attempts. Elk will remain in the release pen for a few days to recover from travel and become adjusted to the local environment. They then will then be allowed to exit the pen at their leisure - 5 weeks before the calving season.

Field equipment is being secured and prepared for monitoring the animals when they exit the release-pen. All elk will be monitored intensively with an emphasis placed on pregnant cows. We will attempt to capture and radio-tag all calves to determine their survivorship.

Legislative changes were introduced to classify elk as a game species with a closed season and thus illegal to shoot (min. $1,000 fine + revocation of license).