History

• The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources states that elk is the largest mammal in Wisconsin. According to the department, historic records show that elk once lived in 50 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. However, during the mid to late 1800s, the animal was almost hunted to extinction, the Department of Natural Resources says. Later, in 1993, the state legislature allowed the reintroduction of elk into Chequamegon National Forest near Clam Lake. Twenty-five elk were reintroduced in 1995, and the Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the herd's management.
  
  

Current Wild Population

• The Department of Natural Resources states, as of 2009, the population is an estimated 142. According to the department, during the third quarter of 2009, it observed eight deaths reducing the population from its previous count of 153. Six of these were from wolf attacks, 1 from a vehicle accident, and the other death is unknown. Seventy-three of these elk have working radio collars. During this period, the DNR says it completed 916 location determinations and 1,952 mortality checks.
  
  

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

• The DNR states the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is helping to foster cooperation between state, private and federal organizations and those working in wildlife management to preserve the elk population in Wisconsin. The foundation aims to educate the public on hunting ethics, wildlife management, the value of hunting and habitat conservation. The DNR considers this type of education vital to the success of the herd in the Chequamegon National Forest, and has placed a high-tech informational kiosk in the area to provide such information to park visitors.
  
  

Population Goals

• The Department of Natural Resources aims to have 1,400 elk alive and roaming the Chequamegon National Forest area. Although progress has been made in increasing the elk population, the department recognizes the slow process of reintroducing the species and credits the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and department biologists with making current inroads. Hunting elk in Wisconsin will likely stay restricted and private for a considerable amount of time until the department deems it safe and controllable.
  
  

Private Hunting

• Some private elk hunting opportunities exist in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Elk Hunt offers hunters the opportunity to hunt a privately held elk herd on 450 acres. However, the prices for this option are extremely expensive; in addition to the lodging and guide fees, if you bag an elk, the fee can reach into the thousands of dollars. The private company does not guarantee a kill, but it does claim plenty of elk roam the property.