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May 15, 2024
Elk, also called wapiti in Shawnee and Cree, heȟáka in Lakota, and omashkooz in Ojibwe, roam in three herds in Minnesota. This newsletter is all about Minnesota elk!
Elk calving season begins soon
It’s that time of year when elk calves are about to be welcomed into the world in northwestern Minnesota. Elk calves are born from late May into early June. Right before giving birth, an elk cow will separate from the rest of the herd and go into hiding to avoid drawing attention to her newborn calf. Most elk cows give birth to one calf. The birth of twins occurs less than one percent of the time.
Newborns calves weigh about 30-35 pounds and are reddish brown with white spots that help them blend into their surroundings. Within 30 minutes of birth, an elk calf can stand and nurse. The calves will remain motionless for a few days after birth, instinctively hiding from predators. A cow hides her newborn calf for about 2 to 3 weeks as the calf eats, sleeps and gains weight and strength. They will gain over one pound per day. Once the calf can run from predators, both cow and calf will join other cows and calves.
Cows and calves live in groups, or herds, which offer protection against predators. During spring and summer, herds of cows and calves usually stay separate from the bulls. Calves will typically form small groups, or nurseries, with other calves and engage in in playful behavior, such as running, jumping and sparring with other calves. Their spotted coat will fade around 2 to 3 months of age as they rapidly gain weight and increase significantly in size.
By early fall, calves could survive independent of the cow but will continue to stay with the herd. At around six months, the young calf is about the size of a full-grown white-tailed deer. It will stay with its mother until the next spring when the cow has a new calf, becoming more independent and joining larger herds. This transition prepares them for adulthood and allows them to learn from experienced herd members.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Hagerty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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DNR and partners improve elk habitat
The Minnesota DNR enhanced 434 aces of deer and elk wintering habitat this past winter thanks to help from Minnesota Conservation Partners Legacy Grants Program, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The work consisted of mowing and mulching dense willow stands to rejuvenate the woody browse that these species consume during the winter months. Not only does this provide a food source during the winter months, but it also provides habitat during other times of the year for American woodcock, golden-winged warblers, ruffed grouse and many other species.
The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided the necessary funding match required for CPL grants to accomplish this important habitat work. In 2008, Minnesota citizens voted to pass the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment which increased the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent. A portion of this money is made available through the CPL grants that agencies and nonprofit organizations can apply for.
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Apply to hunt elk in Minnesota
Hunters have through Saturday, June 15, to apply for one of the 10 elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota DNR. Licenses offered this year include two landowner permits, two 10-year history permits, and six general lottery permits. All three seasons will be conducted from Saturday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 29.
There are currently three recognized herds in northwestern Minnesota: Grygla, Kittson Central and Caribou-Vita. The Grygla area zone remains closed to state-licensed elk hunters. Find important details about how to apply, maps and other hunting information on the DNR elk hunting page.
Image of Brad Penas with his state record elk harvested in northwestern Minnesota
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Fewer elk permits: here’s why
The Minnesota DNR is committed to managing elk for specific population goals set in the most recent elk management plan. You may notice that there are fewer permits available than in past seasons. The reduction in harvestable elk by state hunters reflects our desire to move toward population goals while considering potential harvest by Red Lake Nation Band members.
The reduction also accounts for uncertainty in elk numbers since lack of snow prevented DNR from conducting its aerial elk population survey in 2024.
We also know there are concerns related to crop and fence damage. The DNR will continue to work with tribal nations, local landowners, agricultural producers, legislators, local government officials and state agencies to address those concerns and manage Minnesota’s elk sustainably. For more on Minnesota’s elk, visit the DNR elk management webpage.
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Elk history and management webinar
Minnesota has wild elk. Have you ever wondered where they came from? Tune in to this recorded webinar from the Minnesota DNR with Connie Cox, DNR naturalist, and Jason Wollin, DNR area wildlife manager, for a discussion on Minnesota’s elk. Hear about the history of Minnesota’s elk herds and how they are managed, including some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hunt them.
The webinar is part of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series that the DNR offers year-round for free. You can learn more, register for upcoming webinars and visit the webinar archive on the DNR website.
“The boss of the elk herd, Itasca State Park, Minn.” Image from a postcard used in the DNR webinar presentation
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Learn about elk
Find more information about elk natural history, recreation, research and management on the Minnesota DNR elk webpage at mndnr.gov/elk. You can report elk you see by using our elk sightings tool. We also welcome photos you may have of Minnesota elk and you can send them our way with our photo uploader.
Hunters, trappers and wildlife watchers benefit from the management, habitat and oversight work of the Minnesota DNR’s area wildlife office staff. Have question, comment or concern? Area wildlife staff are happy to talk with you!
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