Snake River corridor elk numbers concern managers
Wyoming Game and Fish biologists believe 900 to 1,000 elk are living in the Snake River corridor between Grand Teton National Park and the town of Wilson.
Game and Fish personnel used infrared cameras to count elk from the air.
Biologists and wardens believe that segment of the Jackson Elk Herd is rapidly growing, but say it has been difficult to get a good count since the area is dominated by private land. Traditional aerial surveys were also hampered by dense tree canopy. Wildlife managers try not to conduct low elevation aerial surveys to avoid disturbing private landowners.
The infrared aerial surveys are flown at approximately 3,000 feet in a fixed-wing aircraft. The infrared camera shows heat signatures given off by the animals, even through thick vegetation.
The recent survey resulted in a count of 840 animals. Wildlife managers said some animals were missed, but believe it revealed at least 90 percent of the animals present.
The high number of elk, coupled with the fact that the corridor is producing calves at approximately twice the rate as the rest of the herd, is creating concern for wildlife managers. The corridor segment is expected to continue to grow and make up a larger portion of the entire Jackson Elk Herd.
Because hunting opportunity is limited on the private land, managers are focusing on applying hunting pressure through the elk reduction program in Grand Teton National Park during their migration to the National Elk Refuge. But, to date, they say hunting has not proven effective in slowing the growth of that segment of the herd.
The overall population objective for the Jackson Elk Herd is 11,000 animals and has been at or near that target for the past several years. State established herd objectives will be reviewed next spring.
