Michigan's native elk died out in the 1800's. Rocky Mountain Elk have a population of over a million. The Rocky Mountain Elk are being used to reintroduce elk to other regions. Reintroduction in Michigan began in 1918, when seven elk from the western U.S. were released near Wolverine, Michigan. More than 1,000 Elk call the forests of Northern Michigan home. Recently, elk were introduced in Kentucky.
Elk can be found as far north as Indian River, as far east as Atlanta, as far south as Gaylord, and as far west as Boyne. It is not uncommon to see or hear of smaller herds venturing out of that core range. It is estimated that more than 75% of Michigan Elk reside in the Pigeon River State Forest.
Since the adult Elk have no natural predators in Michigan, hunting is the primary tool used to maintain the balance between Elk population and habitat. Elk hunting has occurred annually since 1984. Between 30,000 and 40,000 people apply for a chance to hunt elk every year. The number of licenses issued generally ranges from 100-400 and depends on the current population and condition of the habitat.
The city of Gaylord maintains an 108 acre Elk park. The park is free and open during daylight hours. Gaylord's Elk Park borders Aspen Park hiking trails and is located just 1/2 mile from Call of the Wild Museum.
Elk can be found as far north as Indian River, as far east as Atlanta, as far south as Gaylord, and as far west as Boyne. It is not uncommon to see or hear of smaller herds venturing out of that core range. It is estimated that more than 75% of Michigan Elk reside in the Pigeon River State Forest.
Since the adult Elk have no natural predators in Michigan, hunting is the primary tool used to maintain the balance between Elk population and habitat. Elk hunting has occurred annually since 1984. Between 30,000 and 40,000 people apply for a chance to hunt elk every year. The number of licenses issued generally ranges from 100-400 and depends on the current population and condition of the habitat.
The city of Gaylord maintains an 108 acre Elk park. The park is free and open during daylight hours. Gaylord's Elk Park borders Aspen Park hiking trails and is located just 1/2 mile from Call of the Wild Museum.
Michigan's Elk Herds