(WWJ) The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the first elk hunting period of this season proved successful for 72% of participating hunters.
Out with a recap on Wednesday, the DNR said the 97 Michigan hunters who took to the field over the 12-day season harvested 29 bull elk and 41 antlerless elk, including four calves.
In addition, one Pure Michigan Hunt winner harvested a bull elk.
"Harvested" is the word the DNR uses to describe when an animal is shot and killed legally, by a licensed hunter.
The weather was favorable during for the early elk hunt, which began in late August and spanned 12 days throughout September and into early October.
The DNR said the early season is designed to remove elk living outside of the designated elk management area, which is primarily the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
The DNR said the success rate of this season so far is comparable with previous seasons.
As of 2022, the DNR estimated there were somewhere between 870 and 1,684 elk in Michigan, with the population having grown about 5% since 2019. Weighing between 400 and 900 pounds, these massive members of the deer family are known to be most active in the early fall, which is the best time to spot them in the wild.
The second elk hunt period will begin Dec. 9 for 160 hunters.
To learn more about hunting elk in Michigan, visit this link.
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