WISCONSIN ELK STUDY PROGRESS REPORT NO.9

This winter is destined to be one of the more rigorous ones on record for Northern Wisconsin. Snow depths in level open parts of the study area that were being used by elk between 1 January and 8 February, averaged 23 inches (maximum = 33 in.); it averaged 10 inches less in conifer areas with at least 75% cover. Average night low temperature was -14 F; average day high was +16 F; 24 nights were below 0 F and 11 of those were below -23 F and 6 were below -30 F (lowest recorded = - 47 F). Temperatures within the conifer stands, where elk were bedding, averaged approximately 3 F warmer than those in open areas at night and approximately 3 F colder than open areas during the day. The elk appeared to be handling the situation quite well. They have been mainly browsing on cedar, mountain maple, aspen, hazelnut, red maple, black cherry, paper and white birch, and speckled alder in somewhat that order of preference. The elk are primarily browsing on branches of these woody species to a height of 6 1/2 feet but are also pawing down through more than 25 inches of snow to eat grasses and other soft vegetation. Winter ranges of elk have been approximately 2 square miles.

Although the elk appear to be doing well under these rigorous conditions at this time, we also are getting a more definitive assessment of their physical condition from urine samples in the snow that are collected by backtracking their movements on snowshoes. Thus far, we have collected 3 sets of urine samples, at regular intervals, from all radio-tagged individuals and intend to get 3 more during the remainder of the winter. Lab analysis of the urine components provides an index to the nutritional condition of the elk and overall health.

The cow (No. 01) that was wounded during the deer season, has been seen twice since then and she appeared to be in good condition, confirming conclusions that she had received a minor wound.

A calf-of-the-year has been seen twice, alone in its previous summer quarters. It apparently separated from its mother after they moved south after the rut and joined other elk in the vicinity of the release site. Other calves may have done the same thing and thus calf survivorship may be greater than previously thought. We expect to learn more about calf behavior after we radio-tag them during the next calving season in June 1996.

The Hurley Lady (Adult Cow No. 14) was recaptured 14 February about 50 miles NE of where she was released on 17 May 1995. She was returned to the original release pen near Clam Lake that day. We will hold her in the pen until the resident herd, that is within 1/4 mile, makes contact with her by sight, smell, or sound. She separated from the rest of the experimental herd two days after release and gave birth to a calf en route to the Hurley area; it has not been seen since mid-July.