Elk NetworkWisconsin Eyes Third Managed Elk Hunt

Conservation | February 25, 2020

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will accept applications for the 2020 elk hunting tags March 1 – May 31. This fall marks the third elk hunt in state history.

Once widespread across North America, elk were eliminated from Wisconsin in the 1880s. Thanks to the support of many partners and the backing of Wisconsinites, the herd is back. Elk hunting season is open Oct. 17 – Nov. 15, 2020 and Dec. 10-18, 2020. Only Wisconsin residents are eligible to receive an elk tag.

“While we won’t know exact tag numbers until the Natural Resources Board approves the quota in April, we don’t see anything of concern regarding winter effects on the herd,” said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR deer and elk ecologist. “The northern elk population peaked at about 280 last year, and with over 100 breeding age cows in the herd, we’re anticipating continued herd growth and are confident that a hunt will occur. How many tags that are offered will be determined this spring.”

Elk tag applications can be purchased by Wisconsin residents through the DNR Go Wild license system. Each potential hunter may apply once online at gowild.wi.gov or by visiting a license agent. The application fee is $10. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation raffle tickets are also $10 each, and there is no limit on the number of raffle tickets an individual may purchase. An elk hunting tag for the winners of the drawing is $49.

RMEF provided both funding and volunteer manpower over several years to assist with the successful restoration of elk to their historic Wisconsin range.

Find more information here about the 2020 Wisconsin elk hunt.

(Photo source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)