Wyoming hosts one of the largest elk populations in the western United States, making the species a significant element of the state’s natural heritage and economy. These large members of the deer family (Cervus canadensis) have thrived across the diverse landscapes of the Cowboy State. Their presence defines the health of high-elevation ecosystems and supports a multi-million dollar wildlife recreation industry. Managing these herds is a complex process involving state and federal agencies working to balance population numbers with habitat preservation and agricultural concerns.
Current Population Status and Health
The statewide elk population is estimated to be over 100,000 animals, with a 2022 estimate placing the total near 109,900. This number reflects substantial recovery and subsequent growth over the last two decades, demonstrating high productivity. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) manages these animals using population objectives, which are target numbers set for each of the state’s 34 distinct elk herd units.
In 2022, the WGFD reported that the majority of elk herds were meeting their management goals, with 17 herds at objective. However, 12 herds were above the approved objective level, while only five were below. For example, some herds in the Laramie region show strong productivity, often exceeding 40 calves per 100 cows, which contributes to population control challenges.
Herd health is a persistent management focus, particularly concerning transmissible diseases. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological illness, has been detected in nine of the state’s 36 elk herds. Brucellosis, a bacterial disease that causes abortions, is also a concern, primarily in western Wyoming herds. Monitoring and managing these diseases are integrated into the state’s strategy to maintain healthy and sustainable wildlife populations.
Major Geographic Distribution Areas
Elk are distributed widely across Wyoming, inhabiting environments from high mountain alpine zones to low-elevation shrublands and agricultural fields. The most significant concentrations are found in the mountainous regions of western and northwestern Wyoming, which are part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Large herds are concentrated in the Yellowstone and Cody areas, often producing the state’s biggest bulls due to the remote, high-quality habitat. Further south, the Wind River Range and areas near Jackson and Pinedale support large elk herds, utilizing the vast public lands of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. These western areas are characterized by high-elevation terrain and extensive backcountry.
The Bighorn Mountains in the north-central part of the state also support a significant elk population, utilizing dense forest cover and mountain meadows. The southern part of the state, particularly the Snowy Range and Sierra Madres, holds two of Wyoming’s largest elk herds, inhabiting a mix of public and private lands. Even the southeastern plains near Laramie and Cheyenne support elk populations that have adapted to lower elevations and different forage sources.
Seasonal Migration Patterns
The annual movement of elk herds between their summer and winter ranges is a defining characteristic of their ecology in Wyoming. These seasonal migrations are necessary for survival, allowing the animals to access sufficient forage while avoiding harsh winter conditions. Elk move from lower-elevation wintering grounds, which offer shelter and less snow cover, to higher-elevation summer ranges where they access better-quality forage.
In the spring, elk follow the receding snowline, moving upward to graze on the newest, most nutritious plant growth, which is important for cows preparing to calve. The reverse migration begins in the fall, often triggered by early snowstorms, as the herds descend to their traditional winter ranges. These routes, known as migration corridors, have been followed for millennia and are crucial for maintaining population health.
The Jackson Elk Herd is known for its long-distance movements, with some individuals migrating up to 168 miles between winter range in Jackson Hole and summer range in Yellowstone National Park. The Piney Herd moves from low-elevation feedgrounds in the Upper Green River Basin to summer ranges in the Wyoming Range. The Bighorn Mountains also have multiple distinct migration routes, including the Bighorns North, Bighorns South, and Medicine Lodge herds.
Management and Conservation Strategies
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages elk populations primarily through regulated hunting seasons. Hunting is the most effective tool for meeting population objectives and focuses on increasing the harvest of female elk to slow herd growth in areas above objective. To facilitate this harvest, especially on private land where elk congregate, the WGFD utilizes programs like “Access Yes” to secure public hunting access through agreements with landowners.
A significant aspect of management in western Wyoming is the operation of 22 state-run elk feedgrounds, along with the National Elk Refuge, where elk are provided supplemental hay during winter. This practice, which began over a century ago, prevents elk from starving and minimizes conflicts with livestock and private property. However, the high density of animals on feedgrounds elevates the risk of disease transmission, including CWD and brucellosis.
In response to disease risks, the WGFD has implemented strategies like low-density feeding, where hay is scattered to reduce close contact between animals. New conservation efforts, such as “elk occupancy agreements,” incentivize ranchers to move cattle off natural winter ranges, allowing elk to utilize native forage and promoting herd dispersal. These policy adjustments reflect an adaptive approach, aiming to sustain elk numbers while mitigating disease spread and reducing reliance on artificial feeding.