Migration Studies of Jackson Hole's Elk Herd.

Authors(s): C. C. Anderson

Publication: Wyoming Wild Life

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

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Abstract: Management of the northern Jackson Hole elk herd has been complicated by the fact that most of these elk migrate northward for distances up to sixty miles. They are at the upper limits of this migration at the time when the traditional hunting season opens on September 10. The situation is further complicated by the fact that large numbers of the animals find sanctuary from hunters in Yellowstone National Park. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to obtain an equitable distribution of hunter harvest, without which the most advantageous elk disstribution could not be expected. A considerable portion of the Yellowstone elk, as well as elk summering on the Teton National Forest, migrate through Teton National Park before they arrive at the various wintering areas. While controlled hunting is carried out in Teton Park, the area is necessarily separate from the surrounding hunting territory. It therefore becomes evident that complete knowledge of the seasonal migrations and distribution is essential if an equitable distribution of elk is to be maintained and if we are, at the same time, to keep the total population within the necessary limits required by established winter feed grounds and winter ranges. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and Grand Teton National Park have conducted joint studies of migration and distribution for the last four years. Previously each agency worked on the problem separately. Prior to 1953 the joint studies have been primarily concerned with Teton National Park elk in the spring and summer and with daily track counts along three transects during the fall. The work last year consisted of ground observations north of the Moran-Togwotee Pass highway, primarily east of Enos Lake and Two Ocean Plateau, with periodic aerial surveys of all the area north of the Gros Ventre Drainage. The study was continuous from the time the elk moved into these areas in the spring until most of them had returned in the fall. The particular aims were to determine migration routes, the time and scope of the movements -- and the disbtibution of the elk throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service personnel furnished pertinent information throughout the season and participated in the fall work.

Keywords: animal, mammal, ungulate, Cervidae, Cervus elaphus, wapiti, elk, population, mortality, Teton County, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole, migration, behavior, management, winter food supplementation, food, feeding, forage, hunting, human activity, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park