Elk, absent from Wisconsin for over a century, have made a remarkable return, establishing a presence in the state’s northern and central regions. Their reintroduction is a conservation success story, restoring a native species. This effort created opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Understanding where these herds thrive and their history offers insight into Wisconsin’s wildlife.
Elk Presence and Locations
Elk are present in Wisconsin, thriving in two distinct herds located in the northern and central parts of the state. The primary northern herd, known as the Clam Lake herd, ranges across portions of Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Rusk, and Sawyer counties. This area encompasses the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, providing extensive forested habitat. The second herd is located in the central part of the state, specifically within Jackson County, often referred to as the Black River herd. This central forest region offers a mix of forested lands, scattered grasslands, and sedge meadows.
Wisconsin’s Elk Reintroduction Story
Elk were extirpated from Wisconsin in the late 1800s due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. Their reintroduction has been a multi-decade endeavor. An initial attempt in the 1930s with elk from Yellowstone National Park ultimately failed due to similar challenges. Renewed efforts gained momentum in the early 1990s when the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) explored restoring native large mammals. This assessment determined elk had the highest potential for success compared to moose or caribou.
The first successful modern reintroduction occurred in May 1995, when 25 elk from Michigan’s lower peninsula were released into the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Clam Lake. This initial project was a collaborative effort involving the DNR, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Ojibwe tribes. A second reintroduction phase began in 2014, with an agreement to translocate up to 150 elk from Kentucky. These animals were used to bolster the existing Clam Lake herd and establish the new Black River herd in Jackson County, with releases occurring from 2015 through 2019.
Current Elk Populations and Viewing Opportunities
Wisconsin’s elk populations have steadily grown since reintroduction, with current estimates indicating an expanding presence. As of July 2023, the total statewide elk population was estimated to be approximately 500 to 515 animals. The northern Clam Lake herd accounted for about 355 individuals, while the Black River herd in Jackson County numbered around 160. These numbers reflect a continuous increase, with the statewide estimate showing a 10% increase from the prior year.
For those interested in observing these animals in their natural habitat, both the Clam Lake and Black River elk ranges offer opportunities. In the Clam Lake area, an interactive kiosk at the junction of State Highways 77 and GG provides information, maps, and viewing guides. Prime viewing times are typically at dawn and dusk, when elk are most active, particularly during the fall rutting season in September and October when bull elk bugle. The Black River State Forest, especially along North Settlement Road, is a promising location for spotting elk in Jackson County. Visitors should always view elk from a distance, remain in their vehicles, and avoid disturbing the animals or trespassing on private land.