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Elk Restoration in Missouri

Missouri Elk Background


Native species present throughout the state prior to the arrival of European settlers Extirpated from most of the state by the mid 1800 s Last reported elk in 1865

Missouri Elk Background


In April 1999, Conservation Commission directed staff to conduct an elk restoration feasibility study Feasibility study results presented to Commission in December 2000 Commission suspended restoration in 2001

Missouri Elk Background


Economic and recreational successes in states with restored elk herds Improved disease testing protocols Understanding of elk habitat use and movement Management on department lands has improved elk habitat

Elk Restoration
On October 15 the Conservation Commission approved a plan to restore elk in Missouri starting winter-spring, 2010-11.

Elk Restoration Zone

Elk Restoration Zone

Characteristics of Elk Restoration Zone

346 square miles Forestland: 93% Cropland: 0.1% Openland: 5% Paved public roads: 47 miles of border roads; 33 miles inside the zone

Elk Health Testing Protocol


Health testing protocol developed in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture More stringent than required for livestock or captive elk

Elk Herd Management


Monitoring
Monitoring
Movement Survival Reproduction Habitat use Modeling

Elk Herd Management


Wandering Elk Management

Follow contingency plan for addressing elk that are in places they are not wanted

Elk Herd Management


Population Management

Manage elk population through hunting

Partnerships

Seek outside funding to help pay for restoration

Operations
Source Kentucky 50 elk winter, 2010-11 Additional 100150 from Kentucky and Arkansas

Operational Plan
Hold elk in Kentucky for 93 days for disease testing Transport and hold in Missouri Release in mid-May Monitor

Operations

Holding facility construction in Kentucky began in December

Operations

Holding facility completed in early January

Operations
Trapping Corral Traps

Building Missouri Holding Facility

Elk Arrive in Missouri

Elk Collared and Disease Tested

Seven Calves Born in Pen

Gates Opened and Elk Released on June 1

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