Minnesota’s elk management plan now up for revision

Published 2:01 pm Saturday, March 8, 2014

GREENBUSH — Wildlife managers have scheduled a public meeting in northwestern Minnesota to discuss an upcoming revision to the state’s elk management plan.

Three small elk herds roam far northwestern Minnesota: the Kittson Central herd near Lancaster in Kittson County; the Grygla herd in Marshall County, and the Caribou-Vita herd in northern Kittson County and southern Manitoba.

Elk once roamed most of Minnesota but nearly vanished by the early 1900s. The Department of Natural Resources says its recent survey shows the herds contain 108 animals, a population that’s been stable in recent years.

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The DNR updates its management plan periodically, trying to maintain a healthy, small population while limiting crop damage. The state allows hunters to kill a few elk annually.

The meeting is set for Thursday night at Greenbush High School.