Third Quarter Clam Lake Elk Herd Updates July-September 2009Current Status: At the end of June we estimated that there were 153 elk in the herd, 81 with functioning radio collars. During the third quarter of 2009 we experienced 8 verified mortalities (6 by wolves, 1 vehicle collision, and 1 unknown). These were 5 calves, 1 yearling cow, 1 two year old cow and one old, original cow (Cow 22, about 18 years old). Extrapolating these losses proportionately by mortality type and age class, and considering productivity this calving season, results in a net population estimate of 142 elk. Balancing losses with additional collared animals, we currently have 73 elk with functioning radio collars.
On-Going Elk Research: On the ELF Line forage quality project we conducted a second plant composition survey and measured biomass production on the 3 study sites. Weve begun processing our data and will continue in the next quarter. In the next quarter well continue to process and analyze our results, and submit forage samples for nutrition analysis to the state lab.
2009 Bugling Season: We received reports from Clam Lake locals that the bulls began bugling on August 25th. Project staff heard their first bugle on August 27th. During the first week of September we did have high temperatures from the low 80s to the low 90s. During the rest of the month high temperatures ranged from the low 50s to mid 70s. Night time lows, after the first week, ranged from 24 to 68 degrees with most in the 40s rangenice and cool for rutting bulls.
Bull activity and bugling was higher than normal this year. Most everyone who accompanied elk project staff on presentations at least heard several bulls and many saw elk. Elk monitoring revealed that there were 12 to 14 harems this year, up from last year (about 10 harems in 2008), and observed elk indicated increased numbers of satellite and sub-adult bullsa higher bull to cow ratio. This is due to the shift in wolf predation on cows. Were hoping that cool September nights promoted efficient conception and results in an early and quick calving season in 2010. Spring conditions in 2010 will also influence the 2010 calving season.
Partnerships: We continue to provide support to UWSP and USFS on their elk related projects. Special thanks to the Tomahawk Friends of Elk for their donation of 3 Cuddeback NoFlash infrared trail cameras! Special thanks to Jeff Morden for his engineering, design and welding skills for improvements to the elk trap triggering system, the trap transfer tub and elk chute improvements! Big thanks to Bud Rubeck and the Clam Lake Community Club for their improvements and construction of the Elk Information Kiosk at the community park Elk Display in Clam Lake (20% of the project costs). Bigthanks to Fred Lochner and his company, Imperial Media, for the development and installation of the kiosk, and donation of 40% of the kiosk development and machinery costs. Furthermore, a big thanks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for funding the other 40% of the kiosk machinery and materials.
Elk Health: This quarter we had verified losses of 8 elk (6 wolves, 1 vehicle, and 1 unknown). Prior to this year the previous high quarterly observed loss was 9 during the first quarter of 2005. So far in 2009 we had 11 observed losses during the 2nd quarter and 8 during the 3rd quarter. As of the end of September weve observed 60% calf mortality (normally it takes us 12 months to lose 50%), and 16 verified mortalities. Were on track to have record losses this Elk Year.
Detailed in the previous quarterly report were the 3 late third trimester pregnant cows killed in early May. We reported that these were the first such kills in the 14 years Wisconsin has had elk. However, we observed another first during the 3rd quarter. In July we had 2 one month old and 1 two month old calves killed by wolves. Prior to 2009 the earliest calf kill observed was 4.5 months old in October of 2008. Usually wolves have waited until calves are 8 to 11 months old and larger than an adult white-tailed deer before they begin taking them as prey. Apparently thats no longer the case. Furthermore, up to 18 months ago 80% of elk killed were males. Up to 7 months ago that changed to 50% malesand 50% females. During the past 7 months its changed to 33% males and 67% females.
Also of note was F275 who was killed on July 20 in a vehicle collision. F275 was 49 days old and already weighed 95 pounds, gaining more than a pound a day since her birth on June 1st when she weighed 41 pounds at 3 days old. She was killed within 100 yards of a flashing elk crossing warning light. Her weight gain indicates high quality forage for her lactating mother, and that we continue to have irresponsible motorists ignore the elk crossing warning lights.
Monitoring and Education: During this quarter we made 916 telemetry location determinations and 1,952 telemetry mortality checks. During this quarter we gave 10 elk presentations to a total of 354 participants. We also gave 3 print and 2 radio interviews. The new elk display was set up during the Central Wisconsin State Fair and the Tomah RMEF Banquet.
Upcoming Events: Well be continuing work on the ELF Line forage fertilization pilot project, monitoring the 73 elk currently with working radio collars, submitting permit applications to DOT for expansion of the motorist warning system, developing recommendations for promoting continued population growth, and initiating winter elk collaring.
Need Your Help: DNR Conservation Wardens are currently investigating the finding at 2 separate sites the disposal of 3 elk hides and the shooting of a bull during the gun deer season. It is not certain yet whether the hides are from the Clam Lake herd or from elk harvested out of state. The hides were found under the CTH "M" bridge over the Namekagon River east of Cable and off Dam Road (FR 1730) between Lake Namekagon and Cable. The hunter-shot bull elk incident allegedly occurred west of Clam Lake.
If anyone has information about these cases please contact Sue Miller at 715-634-9658 ext. 3516 or the DNR TIPS line at 1-800-847-9367.
Laine Stowell & Matt McKay
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/Elk/Latest_CL_Update.htm
