DNR’s 2022 Elk Population Shows Healthy Herd
Results of the 2022 Michigan elk survey show the herd is healthy and growing.
During an aerial survey of the elk herd conducted over eight days in January, Department of Natural Resources staff flew over 1,080 square miles of predetermined sample plots across the northern Lower Peninsula to locate, count and photograph elk. Results from the survey estimate the population is between 870 and 1,684 animals.
A total of 793 animals in 92 groups were observed during the survey. A population estimate model was used to account for the animals that may not have been observed during the flight survey. Additionally, the photos taken during the survey were used to calculate the sex and age ratio of the herd. The 2022 survey estimates the population has increased 5% since 2019.
The elk population reflects the objectives and actions written in the Michigan Elk Management Plan.
“The latest estimates suggest that the elk herd remains healthy,” said Chad Stewart, DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist. “We will continue to sustainably manage the herd and habitat across the elk range.”
At a recent Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing, the DNR recommended maintaining the current license quotas and season structure for the 2022-2024 elk regulation cycle.
The Michigan Elk Management Plan was last updated in 2012. In 2022, an update on Michigan’s elk management progress and accomplishments over the past decade will be developed and incorporated into the plan to guide management decisions for the next 10 years. Elk are a valuable resource for Michigan’s ecosystems, while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hunting and wildlife viewing. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Elk.
DNR Extends Conservation Officer Job Posting to March 31
In an effort to stay competitive with other law enforcement agencies that are hiring throughout the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has extended its application deadline for the 2022 conservation officer recruit school to March 31.
Michigan conservation officers are fully sworn law enforcement officers who protect Michigan’s natural resources, the environment, and the health and safety of the public through effective law enforcement and education. As trained emergency first responders, conservation officers also respond to general criminal and life-threatening situations in the counties they patrol.
The DNR plans to offer two recruit school academies this year – a shorter, hybrid academy for people who are already certified/certifiable through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, and the traditional 23-week academy for those not yet MCOLES-licensed. The 23-week recruit school academy will take place from July through December at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing, and will include off-site training locations.
Get more details on the academy and officers’ daily work life at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
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