LANCASTER, Minn. — Aerial spotters saw 131 animals in the three separate herds that roam portions of far northwestern Minnesota and comprise the state’s elk population, according to results of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ annual population survey completed last month.

Spotters counted 79 elk in the Caribou-Vita herd, up from 51 animals counted in 2014. This is Minnesota’s largest herd and migrates between northern Kittson County and Manitoba in Canada. The goal for this herd is between 150 to 200 elk on both sides of the border.

Another group, called the Kittson-Central herd, near Lancaster in Kittson County dropped to 34 elk from 37 last year. The count is above the population goal of 20-30 animals.

The final herd, called the Grygla, is at 18 elk, down from the 20 last year and 28 in 2013.

DNR northwest regional wildlife manager John Williams said the decline of this herd in Marshall County is troubling because it hasn’t been hunted since 2012. The population goal for the Grygla herd is 30 to 38.

The herds offer recreational and economic opportunities, including wildlife watching and hunting seasons when their populations can sustain a hunt, Williams said.

The DNR is in the process of updating a 2009 elk management plan, which will include a public input process before it is finalized.