Idaho Fish and Game Completes Lolo Zone Elk Survey

Recently completed aerial surveys show a marked decline in elk numbers in game management units 10 and 12, which comprise the Lolo Elk Management Zone.

Survey results indicate the elk population in the Lolo Zone has declined from 5,110 to 2,178, a 57-percent reduction since 2006. The greatest declines were observed in numbers of elk cows, calves and spike bulls. Overall, bull numbers were down zone-wide, with a shift in bulls to older animals.

“This survey, combined with ongoing research showing wolves are the primary cause of elk mortality today, is further scientific evidence of the impact wolves are having,” Fish and Game Director Cal Groen said. “The rate of this decline in just four short years should help people understand there is an urgency to manage for a balance in this area.”

Appropriate management options in response to this latest survey data are being explored.

Wolf predation is the major source of mortality on this elk herd and is affecting population size because too few calves are surviving to replace the adults that die each year. Predation is preventing recovery from a decline that began in the late 1980s and a steep decline following the severe winter of 1996-97.

This survey information corroborates ongoing research being conducted in the Lolo Zone that shows survival of radio-collared adult elk and six-month-old calves has been poor. Modeling efforts based on research survival data estimate declines of 11 to 15 percent annually.

Idaho Fish and Game’s aerial surveys of most elk zones are conducted on a three- to five-year rotation. Surveys provide estimates of the size of the population as well as demographic data, such as numbers of elk cows, calves and bulls.

Just another study, rediscovering the wheel. The Elk, wolf study, at the Ya Ha Tinda, here in Alberta, came to the same conclusion. Throw in, unregulated Native hunting and you have a real wreck. Whereas, at one time I could count on hunting elk there, every 3 years, the draw priority has gone to 5 or 6. The good news is that there is a season on wolves and we are allowed to kill as many of the furry buggars, as we can. The local trapper's association even pays what amounts to a bounty and I've heard of at least one rancher, who also offers a finacial incentive.
Grizz

Go get 'em!

Wolves eat elk? Wow, I would have never guessed it! I am thrilled they are studying such a relationship between these two species.

What is next? There is no way they can link wolf predation to the decline of moose in those areas! I mean, I saw an article just the other day which stated the Shiras Moose are declining because of Global Warming! Really, I honestly did! Wolves--huuummppphhhh!

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The wolf predation problem is easily solved by the judicious application of the SSS method.

Shoot, Shovel, Shut up.

Here's a survey by PBS!

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/609/index.html

Op-Ed: Lolo Zone in Perspective

By Cal Groen, Director, Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The Lolo elk herd is in trouble. The latest counts put the herd at 2,178 with poor survival of the cows and calves needed to replenish the herd.

Idaho Fish and Game is committed to saving the Lolo herd and keeping Idaho’s other elk herds healthy.

The elk situation in the Lolo elk management zone didn’t happen overnight. The Lolo elk herd had glory days after major fires in the early 1900s created phenomenal elk habitat in the Clearwater Region. Elk numbers peaked at 16,000 in the 1980s. But re-growth of brush and forest turned great elk habitat into poor habitat. Predation by bears and mountain lions took its toll.

Following the severe winter of 1996-1997, Lolo elk numbers dropped by nearly half. When the population didn’t rebound, Idaho Fish and Game took aggressive steps. We drastically reduced hunter numbers, and ended all cow harvest. We increased bear and lion hunting opportunities to reduce predation. We worked with other partners to improve habitat. Elk numbers started increasing.

Then wolves took over and became the leading cause of Lolo elk deaths. It wasn’t until May of last year that the state could finally manage wolves. By then, the balance of elk and wolves in the Lolo Zone was completely out of whack. Extreme predation on adult females and calves means not enough calves survive to replace the adults that die each year.

Idaho began taking steps to reduce wolf numbers with its first regulated wolf hunt starting September 1, 2009. But hunters in the steep, brushy Lolo country have had limited success, taking just 11 wolves of the Lolo zone harvest limit of 27 to date.

With the latest Lolo elk numbers, it is clear more aggressive wolf management is needed to restore the herd. State wildlife managers will recommend significant changes to wolf seasons in the Lolo and other elk-depressed zones, consistent with the 2008-2012 Idaho Wolf Management Plan. These management tools could include increased harvest limits, multiple tags, trapping, and asking outfitters to help reduce wolf numbers.

Even with fewer wolves, changes in the landscape make it unlikely Lolo elk will return to the all-time highs of the 1980s. But Fish and Game will do what it takes to restore the health of the Lolo herd. For many of us, it’s more than just professional interest; this herd has personal significance to many Idaho wildlife managers. And finding the right balance for our big game herds and other wildlife is at the heart of Fish and Game’s mission.

68% No
31% yes

Looks like no it is!