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Aug. 28, 2017
Contact: Katie Keen, 989-385-0336
2017 elk season kicks off Tuesday
 Tuesday, Aug. 29, is the first day of the 2017 elk hunting season’s Hunt Period 1, taking place for 12 days in total:
- Aug. 29-Sept. 1
- Sept. 15-18
- Sept 29-Oct. 2
A total of 100 state hunters – 70 antlerless-only hunters and 30 any-elk hunters – will get the opportunity to hunt for elk this season.
Elk hunting is open in many counties in the northern Lower Peninsula. See map of Elk Hunt Period 1 units.
“Regulated hunting is the most effective method of controlling elk populations and distribution,” said DNR wildlife communications coordinator Katie Keen. “The early season helps to target elk outside of the elk range – the desire is to provide recreation while also offering relief to landowners who may see negative effects of elk on their property.”
Elk Hunt Period 2 is Dec. 9-17 and will be open in both the Pigeon River State Forest and Unit L.
 Elk have been hunted in Michigan annually since 1984, and 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of their presence in the state. In 1918, seven elk were brought from the western United States to locations near Wolverine, Michigan. Today’s healthy and abundant elk population is a result of intentional land management and increased law enforcement. Help celebrate the 100th anniversary of elk. Look for the DNR elk license plate, available starting Dec. 1, 2017.
/Note to editors: Accompanying images are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
Emily Schaff: Emily Schaff, pictured here with Cody Baker, harvested a bull elk during the 2016 elk hunting season.
2017 Elk Hunt Period 1 Units: A map showing the 2017 Hunt Period 1 Elk Management Unit.
Elk License Plate: A license plate celebrating the 100th anniversary of elk in Michigan will be available Dec. 1./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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