Elk herds in West Central Alberta

Elk herds in West Central Alberta are part of a growing and dynamic population primarily found along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, including Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) such as 304, 305, 306, 308, and 310. Recent aerial surveys and reports indicate that elk populations in WMUs 304 and 310 have increased significantly over recent years, with numbers more than doubling since 1993. These areas support substantial elk herds that attract considerable hunting interest due to their abundance and proximity to urban centers like Calgary

The elk herds in this region are managed under specific hunting regulations aimed at maximizing hunter opportunities while controlling population growth, including late-season antlerless elk hunts to increase cow harvests. The population structure from recent surveys shows a healthy ratio of bulls to cows and calves, with a noted increase in calf recruitment, suggesting good population growth potential1.

Elk in West Central Alberta tend to form large herds, which can cause challenges for local agriculture, especially in the northern and western parts of the province where large elk herds may damage crops and winter feed. These herds are mobile, often moving outside of hunting seasons, making population control through hunting difficult3.

The Ya Ha Tinda area in West Central Alberta is notable for elk research and range improvement projects, highlighting the ecological importance of this region for elk habitat and conservation studies6.

Overall, Alberta's elk population is estimated at around 26,000 animals, with many concentrated in the foothills and high basins of the Rockies, including West Central Alberta. The region offers diverse hunting opportunities, and elk mature quickly, with many bulls reaching trophy status by three years of age5.

In summary, West Central Alberta hosts significant and increasing elk herds, particularly in WMUs 304 and 310, with active management and research efforts to balance population growth, hunting, and agricultural impacts1356.

Citations:

1. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/ffc5550c-68fe-46f8-9698-ea3d196ab417/resource/47c8ab32-ae35-4c61-8a2c-c467a5d45664/download/aep-awsr-wmu-304-305-306-308-310-elk-count-2020.pdf
2. https://www.hww.ca/wildlife/mammals/north-american-elk/
3. https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/wildlife/deer-and-elk-take-a-bite-out-of-winter-feed/
4. https://www.petersenshunting.com/editorial/alberta-canada-elk-hunting-explored/513346
5. https://www.apos.ab.ca/species/elk
6. https://yahatinda.biology.ualberta.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2012/12/Ya-Ha-Tinda-Elk-Herd-Red-Deer-River-Valey-Ecotone-Study-20111.pdf
7. https://agriculturalserviceboards.com/2023/04/18/supporting-albertas-elk-industry/

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