Elk Hunt May be Coming to Central Wisconsin Elk Heard

Monday, January 8th, 2024 -- 10:00 AM

(Paul Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin's wild elk herds continued to grow in 2023, setting a modern record high with an estimated 515 animals in the state, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

According to Paul Smith with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, it's likely the first time since the Civil War period the Badger State has had more than 500 elk. The growth in the elk population is likely to bring another milestone this year: the first elk hunting season in the state's central herd.

At its Dec. 12 meeting, the DNR's Elk Study Committee unanimously recommended a limited hunting season for bull elk be held this fall in the central herd. The animals are mostly found in Jackson County.

"We're in a good place right now with elk in the central herd," said Christina Kizewski, DNR wildlife biologist in Jackson County. "It's been considered for a couple years now and this time the committee felt it was right to move toward a hunt in the area."

The recommendation will be considered Jan. 16 by the DNR's Wildlife Leadership Team, Kizewski said. If the team approves the idea, it would then advance and quotas and other details would be established.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.