Elk hunt extended

The need to manage the size of northwestern Minnesota’s elk population and control depredation has prompted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to extend the elk hunt beginning today.

“Our rules for the 2012-2013 elk hunt authorized an extended season if harvest goals were not met during the regular seasons,” said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. “We are committed to managing these populations at levels identified within the management plan. We need to take additional animals to keep us moving in that direction.”

Hunters took only six elk in the September and December hunts, well below a quota of 23 animals DNR established to meet population management goals and address depredation concerns.

Two small herds exist in northwestern Minnesota, one near Grygla in Marshall County and another in Kittson County. Minnesota’s elk population is 80 to 120 animals, depending on the location of a herd that moves back and forth between Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada.

By law, elk hunts in Minnesota can be authorized whenever the pre-calving population exceeds 20 animals.

Tags: lifestyle, outdoors, minnesota