WISCONSIN ELK STUDY PROGRESS REPORT NO.6

This report summarizes progress of the elk research project since Report No. 5 - 10 March, 1995. Periodic news releases were issued between 10 March and now.

4 January, 1995 - Memorandum of Understanding between Michigan, Wisconsin, and U.W.-Stevens Point was signed; Michigan donated a herd of 25 elk to Wisconsin for an experimental reintroduction study. 14-27 January - 25 elk were captured and placed in quarantine (3 antlered bulls, 4 bull calves, 6 adult and 5 yearling cows, 7 heifers). 1 February - disease and pregnancy tests conducted; Day-1 of 90-day quarantine (all adult and 3 of 5 yearling cows were pregnant). 26 April - second disease test; radio transmitters attached. 2 May - quarantine ended; all were disease-free; loaded and shipped to Wisconsin. 3 May - unloaded into 3-acre, gentle-release pen. 17 May - opened release-pen gate, elk gradually entered their new Chequamegon National Forest home; began daily monitoring of behavior and movements of each of the 25 elk (2,176 locations have been logged to date). 23 May - pregnant cow No.14 left the study area (now 40 air-miles to NE between Hurley and Mercer and 1.5 miles from Michigan UP border). 2 June - adult bull No.17 died in the field; necropsy indicated "capture myopathy" was the likely cause.

The elk formed into 4 groups and began exploratory movements on the day of their exit from the release pen, These groups eventually became established in separate areas; some bulls continued to roam separate from the groups. Pregnant cows isolated themselves from the groups for calving in early June. Attempts to capture calves were halted after strong indications that this activity significantly disturbed the cows that were still unfamiliar with their new home, e.g., one cow moved 5 miles into an area where she had never been; she eventually returned. A second cow reacted in a similar manner. The birth of 6 calves has been verified by direct observation or by tracks subsequent to intense monitoring with radio-telemetry; an additional cow-calf observation was reported by a local resident and others are likely.

Some cows have rejoined original groups; interchange between groups frequently occurs. The adult bulls and 2 of the cows are alone; yearling bulls have been associating with the cow groups. Locations of each elk, as of 13 August, are shown on the attached map. Note that 75% of the elk are within a 3-mile radius of the release site and only No.14 is off the study area. We expect significant seasonal changes in behavior patterns and habitat use. The next such change is likely to occur with the onset of the breeding (bugling) season which should reach a peak near 10 September. A noticeable increase in activity and localized movements commenced during this second week of August.

Collection of habitat use data, by definitive radio-telemetry, was initiated after elk behavior patterns became fairly consistent. Thus far, 864 such locations have been cataloged since 8 July. Within-day movement, behavior, and habitat-use data were collected by monitoring 8 individual elk for 24 contiguous hours; this procedure will be repeated periodically throughout this summer and during other seasons.

Once the elk indicated where they were going to be, 25 acres of 5 existing wildlife openings in those areas were refurbished. Two units were mowed and 3 were limed, fertilized, and reseeded during 7-10 August to provide succulent fall and early winter forage.

The initial phase of this project has progressed very well. All but one elk apparently found their immediate needs satisfied in relative close proximity to the selected release site. The gentle release went well; there was no apparent negative association with the release site, facilities, or procedure. Some elk that made initial exploratory moves of several miles, returned to the vicinity of the release site. Cow No.16 returned from a 10-mile distance and gave birth to her calf inside of the release pen; the gate had purposely been left open. There has been but one mortality; we anticipated up to 5. At least 6 of the 9 pregnant cows gave birth to calves in Wisconsin after the rigors of capture, 90-day quarantine, 2 tests for disease, and ride in a shipping-trailer of 500+ miles. At this time, we are cautiously optimistic that this translocated herd will survive and remain on the study area to permit completion of the study which will determine if they can be a permanent part of Wisconsin's landscape. However, it has been only 3 months since their release into a new area at a time when conditions are optimum for wildlife survival. More challenging times lie ahead.

An intensive hunter education program is planned for the approaching deer season. Inserts for recipients of antlerless deer permits in the elk study area, and posters and brochures are being prepared and distributed to public places and media sources. Hunters will be cautioned to look carefully for the differences between elk and deer as shown in illustrations.

Fund raising, under the direction of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Elk Wisconsin and key private individuals, continues at an encouragingly brisk pace. The RMEF-Chequamegon Chapter annual fund-raising banquet is scheduled for 19 August.

Elk are being sighted by residents and tourist in the Clam Lake area. Individuals making such observations are encouraged to report them to project personnel.