Biologists note that central herd has grown at about 17% annually over the last five years
Wisconsin elk are healthy and thriving. As a result, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has announced a first-time elk hunt for its central herd, making it the first time that the state will offer tags for both of Wisconsin’s elk herds.
“Having the opportunity today to announce an elk hunt in the Central Elk Management Zone is a true testament to the partnerships and hard work that was incurred over the years of the reintroduction efforts and also is a testament to elk management in Wisconsin,” said Christina Kizewski, WDNR wildlife biologist in Jackson County.
Wisconsin’s northern herd was established near Clam Lake in 1995 and has had an annual season since 2018. The central herd, which roams Jackson County, was established in 2015; however, it wasn’t until this year that WDNR’s Elk Study Committee and WNDR’s Wildlife Leadership Team both voted in favor of a central herd hunt, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Last summer’s survey estimated about 355 elk – 186 cows, 82 bulls and 87 calves – for the northern herd, which roams the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. As of the last count, the central herd numbered about 160 elk, including 67 cows, 59 bulls and 34 calves. Hunters can expect between 34 to 37 mature bulls in the central herd this fall, according to WDNR.
Kizewski noted that “the central herd has grown at about 17% annually over the last five years” with the 15% annual mortality rates mostly associated with vehicle collision.
While the number of tags hasn’t been announced, hunters should be able to expect two to four bull tags for the central herd and seven or eight tags for the northern herd. The season will be only open to bulls in order to protect cows and continue to grow each herd. Wisconsin’s Ojibwe tribe may also claim up to 50% of the quota for the northern herd with the other percentage part of a random drawing for residents, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. All tags for the central herd will be part of a random draw for Wisconsin state license holders.
Elk hunting in Wisconsin has grown steadily in popularity and WDNR expects an increase in applications this year with the addition of the central herd. The season runs Oct. 12 to Nov. 10 and Dec. 12 to 20.
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