As an elk herd continues to move north, state wildlife officials have approved the creation of a late shoulder hunting season in the region.
Following a barrage of complaints from landowners, the hunt was approved for 2017-2018 in the northern portion of Hunting District 311. Under the new regulations, hunters will be able to target cow elk in the area from the end of general rifle season until February 15, 2018.
With an estimated 1,800 elk moving into the area, complaints of elk getting into cattle feed and crops have been steadily increasing over the past few years. While the damage to crops is of chief concern, many are also worried about the possibility of brucellosis affecting both livestock and the elk.
These shoulder seasons are often used to deal with overpopulation in pre-determined areas and are a great way to offer additional hunting opportunities.
