Once widespread here and across North America, elk were eliminated from Wisconsin in the 1880s due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. Over 130 years later, they once again live in the central and northern forest regions of our state. From a population of 25 elk reintroduced in 1995, and with the help of the second reintroduction efforts that started in 2015, the state’s total elk population is quickly approaching 400 animals.

Thanks to the support of multiple partners and the backing of Wisconsin citizens, the bugle of rutting September bulls is back and here to stay!

Elk are found in two distinct ranges in Wisconsin. The largest, and oldest, elk herd in the state is the Clam Lake elk herd. The Clam Lake herd ranges across Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Sawyer and Rusk counties in northern Wisconsin. The other, the Black River elk herd, is found in the forested region of Jackson County in the central part of the state. Reports on each herd can be found below. Current management practices are aimed at securing the future of elk in Wisconsin. Ongoing research is being utilized to gain additional knowledge regarding survival and recruitment rates, habitat use and movement patterns. The first state-managed hunt for elk in Wisconsin was held in 2018 in the Clam Lake Elk Range only. Visit the Elk Hunting page for more information.

Clam Lake herd

Exciting rutting activity by a Clam Lake bull. The Clam Lake elk herd was estimated to be approximately 190 individuals as of March 2019. With the addition of new animals through natural reproduction within the herd and the translocation of elk from Kentucky in the spring of 2019, the herd is expected to exceed 250 individuals by autumn of 2019. This population has grown slowly, but steadily since reintroduction in 1995. Wisconsin will again hold a very limited hunt in the Clam Lake Elk Range this fall. January-December 2019 Clam Lake elk herd update Although they currently occupy approximately 90 square miles of the designated elk range, the herd has grown at an average rate of 13% annually. However, growth rates have varied from as high as 30% to as low as -16% since 1995. Primary causes of mortality include predation by wolves and black bears and vehicle collisions. Primary habitat used by the elk consists of aspen and pine forests interspersed with forest openings, lowland conifers and water bodies. Clam Lake elk range Download map of range [PDF] Based on the habitat suitability model derived from a study by Didier and Porter, the Wisconsin Elk Study Committee (WESCO) determined that the United States Forest Service (USFS) Great Divide District (GDD) of the Chequamegon National Forest (CNF) near Clam Lake was most suited for an elk reintroduction. The Clam Lake elk range was recently expanded by 506 square miles so the CNF-GDD currently consists of 1,221 sq miles (781,440 acres) in portions of Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Rusk and Sawyer counties in north-central Wisconsin. State Highway 77 and county highways GG and M converge near the center of the GDD at the community of Clam Lake. The GDD is mostly under National Forest ownership (81% or 370,656 acres). The remaining 19% (86,944 acres) is privately owned, with relatively little in agricultural production. 2000 Management plan and environmental assessment for the Clam Lake elk herd

2012 Clam Lake and Black River Elk Management Plan Amendment

2018 Clam Lake elk herd update

Black River herd

The Black River elk herd was estimated to contain approximately 60 animals as of March 2019. With approximately 20 calves expected to be born this spring, the herd is projected to approach 75-80 individuals by late 2019. Calf survival has been very high, with 17 confirmed births in 2018, and all 17 calves still alive as of March 2019. Vehicle collisions are the leading cause of mortality in the Black River herd, and no elk have been killed by predation since September of 2016. After the initial expected drop in numbers following reintroduction, the population is beginning to climb and the Black River herd is showing good signs of population increase. January-December 2019 Black River elk herd update An important message about elk viewing in Jackson County To ensure the successful reintroduction of elk into Jackson County, please respect the elk and their habitat. Disturbances to the elk, such as calling them or attempting to view them by foot, may force the elk into areas in which they may not otherwise reside and can make them more susceptible to predation, vehicle collisions, or other undesirable circumstances. While it is understandable that people will have the desire to observe the elk, in the interest of the animals’ health the public is asked to refrain from pressuring or calling to the elk during the rutting season. This type of disturbance can disrupt breeding activities and separate the elk from their family units, leading to slower population growth. The many partners involved in the elk reintroduction are happy to see high public interest and excitement surrounding the elk reintroduction. Please respect the elk's space and view them from afar. Original 2001 Black River Falls Elk Management Plan

2012 Clam Lake and Black River Elk Management Plan Amendment

2018 Black River elk herd update

Black River elk range Download map of range [PDF] In December of 2001, the Natural Resources Board (NRB) approved the Black River Elk Herd (BREH) Management Plan. The Black River Elk Range (BRER) is approximately 320 sq. miles and located in the Central Forest region of eastern Jackson County.

Elk Advisory Committee