Title
Elk use of private land refuges
Author(s)
Burcham M., Edge W.D., Les Marcum C.
Published
1999
Publisher
Wildlife Society Bulletin
Abstract
Elk (Cervus elaphus) distributions and populations have expanded as habitat management and hunting season regulations have reduced vulnerability to hunting. In addition, elk find security during hunting seasons by using private lands closed to hunters and may expand their use of these seasonal refuges to year-round, resulting in landowner conflicts. The pattern of elk use of these private-land refuges, although a common and widespread phenomenon, has not been described. We documented use of private lands as refuge areas by radiocollared elk in 2 herds in western Montana. Use of private-land refuges by these herds first occurred during the hunting season by a small number of elk. The proportion of each elk herd using refuges and the duration of use increased annually. Limited hunting of elk within one of these refuge areas reduced both the proportion of the elk herd using the area and the time elk spent there. Even in areas that provide good security habitat for elk during the hunting season, elk use of private-land refuges is likely to occur if these areas are available within or adjacent to elk herd ranges. Availability of these private refuges will pose increasing challenges to land and wildlife managers.
Keywords
deer; habitat use; hunting; private land; refuge; United States; Artiodactyla; Cervidae; Cervus elaphus
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PUB12793