Montana is home to diverse wildlife, with elk being an iconic species. They are a significant part of the state’s ecological fabric, enriching ecosystems and contributing to its reputation for robust wildlife populations.
Montana’s Elk Population
Montana hosts one of the most substantial elk populations in the United States. In 2022, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) biologists recorded over 141,000 elk across the state, though earlier 2020 estimates were higher at approximately 170,000 animals. The statewide objective for elk is around 92,138, meaning current numbers are considerably above desired management levels in many areas. About three-quarters of Montana’s hunting districts report elk populations exceeding objectives, with some more than double their target. This general upward trend in population growth and range expansion has continued for several years.
Counting Elk
Wildlife agencies, such as Montana FWP, employ various methods to estimate elk populations. Aerial surveys are a primary tool, often conducted from fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters during late winter or early spring. These “green-up flights” involve counting the total number of elk observed and classifying them by age, such as calves and adults, to assess recruitment rates. These surveys are consistently performed in the same areas each year, allowing biologists to track long-term population trends.
Obtaining precise numbers through these methods can be challenging due to factors like weather conditions, survey timing, and the movement of elk between different hunting districts. For instance, dense forested regions, particularly in northwest Montana, can make aerial observations difficult, potentially leading to less accurate counts. To enhance accuracy, FWP also analyzes hunter harvest data and employs population modeling. Researchers are increasingly utilizing camera traps to gain more representative estimates of both elk and carnivore populations in specific hunting districts.
Influences on Elk Numbers
Various factors, both natural and human-related, impact elk population sizes in Montana.
Habitat
Habitat availability and quality are fundamental, with the abundance and nutritional value of forage being especially important during the winter months. Human development, such as urban sprawl, can encroach upon and reduce critical wintering grounds for elk. Additionally, natural events like wildfires or human activities such as logging can alter the availability of suitable forage.
Predation
Predation plays a role in elk dynamics, particularly concerning the survival of young calves. In western central Montana, mountain lions are identified as a significant cause of mortality for elk calves. While wolves and bears also prey on elk, studies in areas like the Bitterroot Valley have shown mountain lions to be the primary predator of elk.
Diseases
Diseases represent another influence on elk populations. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological affliction, affects cervids including elk. CWD is always fatal, and its infectious proteins can persist in the environment for extended periods. First detected in wild Montana elk in 2017, CWD has since been found in numerous hunting districts across the state.
Brucellosis, a bacterial disease, is prevalent in elk populations in southwest Montana. This disease, transmitted through contact with infected birthing tissues, can cause abortions in pregnant animals and poses a risk of transmission to livestock. Elk in this region have become a self-sustaining reservoir for brucellosis.
Other Factors
Hunting pressure and regulations also significantly influence elk numbers. Elk are known to adapt their behavior by seeking refuge on private lands, which often have limited public hunting access. Environmental extremes, such as severe winters or prolonged droughts, can act as limiting factors, impacting elk survival and overall population health.
Managing Elk Populations
Managing elk populations in Montana involves a continuous effort to balance ecological needs with human interests. The primary goals include maintaining healthy herds, supporting recreational hunting opportunities, and preventing both overpopulation and significant declines. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is responsible for these management efforts, serving the interests of all Montanans.
Management strategies encompass setting appropriate hunting quotas and licenses, such as antlerless B licenses, to regulate herd sizes. Habitat management efforts are undertaken to ensure adequate resources for elk. Disease monitoring and mitigation are also crucial components of FWP’s work, particularly for illnesses like CWD and brucellosis.
FWP actively seeks to reduce elk numbers in areas where populations exceed established objectives. This approach addresses concerns from landowners who experience issues such as crop damage or damaged fences due to large elk concentrations. State law mandates that FWP manages elk populations to achieve and maintain these objective levels, striking a balance between wildlife conservation and the needs of the human community.