275: Elk Management and Unit Boundaries

Manage the Wild

This conversation discusses the challenges faced by biologists in managing elk populations. It explores topics such as elk migration and feeding, counting and tagging elk, challenges of splitting elk units, managing tags and objectives, public vs private land, overcrowding and harvesting issues, boundary challenges and Idaho elk, classifying animals and movement, and the complexity of biologists' decisions. Takeaways

• Elk migration patterns can be unpredictable, with yearlings often leaving feed rows and migrating down canyons.
• Counting and tagging elk can be challenging when elk from different units congregate in a single area.
• Splitting elk units for management purposes can be difficult, especially when collared elk are concentrated in one unit.
• Managing tags and objectives becomes complex when elk populations are not evenly distributed across units.
• The distribution of public and private land can impact elk management decisions and hunting opportunities.
• Overcrowding and a lack of elk to harvest can occur when elk are concentrated in a small area.
• Boundary challenges and elk migration from neighboring states can complicate elk management efforts.
• Classifying animals and understanding their movement patterns is crucial for effective management.
• Biologists face complex decisions and considerations when managing elk populations, and their choices may not always be straightforward.