In a wildlife management region west of Ketchum, Idaho, estimates are the elk population there has grown to around 1,500. Seven years ago, the elk population in that same region was half what it is today.
During the winter months when the elk herd-up, is when biologists conduct aerial surveys to count the elk. They are much more easily spotted on the snow and when any foliage might be off trees.
This estimation now puts the herd in that region above department goals. Estimates are there are 37 bulls to every 100 cows.
Increases in this management region could be affected by weather patterns and fluctuations in migration habits, also affected by the weather.
Tom Remington
