Elk captured in Kentucky headed to Wisconsin in June

Kevin Wallenfang, big game ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, offered an update this week on the status of elk captured in Kentucky for eventual transport to Jackson County.

The capture phase of Wisconsin's elk reintroduction effort is complete with 28 elk awaiting transport to their new home. DNR staff spent about four weeks working with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and other partners to capture elk in eastern Kentucky.

Captured elk are being held in a pen in Kentucky, where they will be closely monitored and receive daily care. They will undergo a 120-day quarantine and health testing period, which will include an acclimation period in Wisconsin, before being released in and around the Black River State Forest in Jackson County.

Barring any unforeseen problems or health testing issues, the release of these elk should occur in early June. There is an overall goal of bringing up to 150 elk from Kentucky. As many as 75 elk will help start a new elk herd in Jackson County, while remaining elk will be added to the current elk herd near Clam Lake in Ashland County.

For more information, visit the DNR's site and search keyword 'elk.'