The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting public comment on four updates to the Elk Management Plan. These changes were approved by the Elk Advisory Committee and the Department, and a summary of each change is presented below. Additional information pertaining to each question can be found in the draft Elk Management Plan (Executive Summary pg 4-5). We ask that you limit written comments to the topics of the proposed change specified in the question. A separate comment box is provided at the end of this form if you wish to share input related to the draft Elk Management Plan.
Expansion Of Northern Elk Management Zone
This plan proposes an expansion of the Northern Elk Management Zone by 7 square miles to include a tract of primarily private lands. Adjusting the boundary will increase opportunities for licensed elk hunters, create additional relief for producers and provide a well-known highway boundary.

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* What is your opinion of the proposed change related to expansion of the Northern Elk Management Zone boundary?

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* If you would like to comment on the Northern Elk Management Zone boundary expansion, please use the space below.

Addition Of Hunting Unit 14
In 2021, the Northern and Central Management Zones were broken into 13 different hunting units to allow for targeted harvest at a more localized scale. Since that time, a handful of elk associated with the central herd have moved outside those delineated units, primarily west of Black River Falls. Although these elk have generally been a non-issue, the options to manage those elk are limited. This plan proposes adding a new unit to west of Black River Falls to allow for specific management of those elk, independent of any other unit.

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* What is your opinion of the proposed change related to the addition of Hunting Unit 14?

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* If you would like to comment on the addition of Hunting Unit 14, please use the space below.

Implementation Of Adaptive Management
This plan proposes managing the elk populations using adaptive management through an Objective-based population approach with an associated set of metrics, as opposed to a numeric population goal for each range. The proposed approach offers more management flexibility and allows management that balances herd populations at the zone and local levels. This proposed approach would increase the consistency of management between elk and other big game species in Wisconsin.

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* What is your opinion of the proposed change related to the use of an Adaptive Management approach to manage elk populations objectively based on elk population density and other metrics?

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* If you would like to comment on the use of an Adaptive Management approach to manage elk populations objectively based on elk population density and other metrics, please use the space below.

Removal Of Feeding Site If Used By Elk
Current Administrative Code does not require a feed site placed for birds or small mammals to be removed if elk visit the site. This plan recommends feed sites placed for this reason be removed immediately if an elk visits the site.

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* What is your opinion of the proposed change related to the removal of a feeding site if used by elk?

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* If you would like to comment on the removal of a feeding site if used by elk, please use the space below.

Overall Opinion Of The Draft Elk Management Plan
The draft management plan includes actionable objectives and strategies. This is the DNR's guiding document for elk management in Wisconsin for at least the next ten years.

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* What is your opinion of the proposed change related to the draft Elk Management Plan, including objectives and strategies, as written?

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i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* If you would like to comment on the draft Elk Management Plan, including objectives and strategies, as written, please use the space below.

Comments On Other Issues Related To Elk Management
If you have any other issues or concerns related to elk management in Wisconsin, please use the space below.

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* Additional comments:

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