Wisconsin Elk? ... How many?

[Sag...again]

Kentucky just got it's first bow killed bull.

The first seven elk, imports from Kansas, were released in Kentucky in December 1997. The state has released 200 elk a year and now has herd of 2,300.

In 1995, 25 elk from Michigan were released in Chequamegon National Forest near Clam Lake, WI. As of Feb./March 2002 Wisconsin had 85-90 Elk. Still waiting for an update on the summer elk herd population.

Wisconsin's elk herd reintroduction was never about reintroducing elk into Wisconsin. Ex governor Tommy Thompson pushed the elk introduction program through just to recieve the Wisconsin sportsman's vote. A total of $2.1 million was spent on 3 seperate introduction studies that each said reintroducing elk into Wisconsin was a BAD idea.

The end result was Thompson got the sportsman's vote with a minimal effort and lots of publicity. After seven years, Wisconsin has 90+ elk.

After 5 years, Kentucky has 2,300 Elk, and their first bow harvest bull. Three cheers for Tommy Thompson.



Edited by - Sag...again on 10/14/2002 11:05:03

[gunsnbowses]

And how many people voted for Tommy Thompson simply because he helped reintroduce elk in Wisconsin? I'd like to think there were more important issues than that in the governor's race. Sportsmen aren't that naive.

Also, Wisconsin brought in 25 elk at what cost? And Kentucky brought in 7 elk plus 200 per year at what cost?

IMO, you're comparing apples to oranges. Not to mention TT is gone- time to get over it, dude!

[1sagittarius]

Thompson restructured the DNR, and made the DNR pay for his elk publicity campain, against wildlife biologists recommendations.

Given the politics of Wisconsin's CWD cash crunch, state budget, ect., it is better to remember the past so as to not relive it.

[cayugad]

The Elk herd in the Chequamegon seems to be doing fine. It was never suggested that we would be hunting them in a few years. Other then the bears getting a couple of the young this year, and the mild winters we have been having, they are real healthy. I have not seen them, but a few nice bulls have been spotted and photographed. A drive down Hwy 77 towards Claim Lake or around the Loretta area, and you might get lucky and see one along the road, but you better be lucky. I hope they stay in the forest, off the roads, and that someday their numbers will be such that, a hunt might be possible. If not, at least they are in the forest, and if CWD don't get them, they might keep reproducing, and maybe my grandchildren might be able to hunt them.... Stay safe out ther, and good hunting