DNR discusses Elk Management Plan in Grygla

DNR officials met with the public in Grygla last week to discuss the Strategic Management Plan for the local elk herd. The current plan will soon be expiring, with the new plan going into effect for 2016-2020; the final draft of the plan will not be approved until March of 2016.

DNR reps from around the state were present for the meeting, including John Williams, Regional Wildlife Manager, based out of Bemidji. Williams took to the floor first, giving a brief overview of the history of the wild elk in Northwest MN, which includes three unique herds: Lancaster area, Kittson County area and Grygla, which is the oldest herd. In 1935, 27 elk were released near Grygla. In the 1980’s, a second herd migrated into Kittson/Roseau counties, presumably from Canada and/or the Grygla population. 

Elk Management plans have been put into place to manage the population of the herds and also compensation to farmers who have experienced crop damage. Support for an increase in Minnesota’s elk population appears to be growing among the state’s citizens, however, local agricultural producers have limited to no tolerance for elk damage to crops, fences and stored feed. The elk population in the state will be determined by successful partnerships among producers, landowners, elk enthusiasts and the MN DNR. 

During the 2015 survey, the Grygla herd was estimated at 18 elk. Area residents, who attended the meeting last week, questioned DNR officials about the accuracy of the survey counts. Doug Franke, DNR Wildlife Manager, responded that the elk move around. The crew picks a 200 sq ft area to survey and conducts the count over a 3 day period. They try to be as accurate as they can, relying on info from various landowners, but there can always be a few more that weren’t picked up. Surveys are done annually and DNR officials would like to advertise more before counts are done so the public can help determine the herds location.

Moving forward with the new plans, a draft strategic vision says that the MNDNR will maintain a free-ranging wild elk population. The long-term vision is to enhance the size and range extent of Minnesota’s elk population and provide increased recreational opportunities, while maintaining positive coexistence with private landowners. 

DNR officials explained that wildlife food plots have been a significant component of management in the elk range. Food plots have been established to encourage elk to remain on public or private lands and away from productive agriculture.

Due to low population numbers in the Grygla herd, a hunting season hasn’t happened in 3 years, which will continue to be the case. DNR reps said ideally they’d like the herd to be around 30-38; the producer side of that equation said that goal will not be changing in the next 5 years.

This article will be continued in next week’s paper, which will include the 2016-2020 plan goals and objectives.