The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board is modifying the way future elk hunts will take place.
Currently, the number of hunting permits made available is limited to five percent of the total overall elk population but according to the Sawyer County Record such a threshold is not necessary regarding herd management.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposed using current scientific research instead of the fixed five percent figure in determining whether a conservative bull harvest could take place.
Eric Lobner, DNR director of wildlife management, told the Sawyer County Record that since bull elk accumulate a harem of female elk, “one bull can service many cows. You don’t need many bulls in your population to continue herd growth.”
Ten bull tags are available for Wisconsin’s inaugural managed elk hunt which begins on October 15, 2018.