Yes, elk are present in Minnesota, a native species with a compelling history in the state. These large members of the deer family once roamed widely across most of Minnesota’s diverse landscapes. Their journey from widespread abundance to near disappearance and subsequent re-establishment highlights ongoing conservation efforts. The presence of elk today offers a connection to Minnesota’s natural heritage.
Minnesota’s Elk Populations
Minnesota currently supports three distinct elk herds, primarily located in the northwestern part of the state. These herds include the Caribou-Vita, Kittson-Central, and Grygla populations, residing within Kittson and Marshall counties.
The Caribou-Vita herd is the largest, with over 150 animals that seasonally migrate between Kittson County and Manitoba, Canada. This herd’s population goal, managed in cooperation with Manitoba, ranges from 150 to 200 animals. The Kittson-Central herd, found near Lancaster in Kittson County, has a population goal of 50 to 60 elk, with recent counts indicating around 75 animals. The Grygla herd, the smallest of the three, is situated in Marshall County near the town of Grygla, with a population goal of 30 to 38 elk. These animals primarily forage in open brushlands and grasslands, seeking winter cover in forested areas.
Beyond the established northwestern herds, there are plans underway to reintroduce elk to northeastern Minnesota. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is leading this initiative. The goal is to transport 100 to 150 elk from the northwestern herds to the Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding areas near Cloquet. While initial transport was anticipated for spring 2026, recent surveys showing stagnant populations in the northwest have delayed the first movement until at least early 2027.
Elk History in Minnesota
Elk were historically widespread across Minnesota, except for the dense boreal forest in the northeast. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, their populations drastically declined due to overhunting and agricultural land conversion. The last confirmed sighting of a native Minnesota elk occurred in the Northwest Angle in 1932.
Efforts to restore elk began in the early 20th century. In 1913, the Minnesota Legislature allocated funds for reintroduction, leading to the relocation of Rocky Mountain elk from Yellowstone National Park and a private farm to Itasca State Park in 1914 and 1915. A significant reintroduction occurred in 1935 when 27 elk were released near Grygla in Marshall County, establishing the basis of the current Grygla herd. A second herd, the Caribou-Vita, appeared in the 1980s, believed to have migrated from Canada or originated from the Grygla population.
Managing Minnesota’s Elk
The Minnesota DNR actively manages the state’s elk populations to ensure their continued presence and health. This management involves monitoring herd sizes, addressing human-wildlife conflicts, and regulating hunting opportunities. A primary challenge involves balancing elk populations with agricultural interests, as elk grazing can lead to crop and fence damage. To mitigate these issues, the DNR works with landowners and employs strategies like food plots to keep elk away from private farmland.
Regulated hunting seasons are a part of elk management in Minnesota, used to maintain herd health and control population numbers. These are highly limited opportunities, with licenses allocated through a lottery system. Successful hunters must present their harvested elk for registration and biological sampling to screen for diseases.
Future management plans include expanding the elk’s range, particularly through the reintroduction project in northeastern Minnesota led by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the DNR. The long-term vision for elk in Minnesota is to enhance their population size and range, providing various benefits while addressing potential concerns.