Once nonexistent in the Bluegrass, elk populations are now in the tens of thousands, thanks to an aggressive plan to reintroduce the once-native species.Prior to European settlement, elk were the most widely spread member of the deer family in North America. Accounts from Kentucky pioneers suggest that elk were abundant in many areas of the state, a detail also supported by Kentucky's many place names that reflect the past presence of elk, officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife said.But habitat loss and overhunting led to widespread depopulation of elk throughout the eastern United States, and Kentucky was no exception.The last wild elk of Kentucky's pioneer era was reportedly killed prior to the Civil War, a KDFWR report states.But in the late 20th century, an effort was launched to reestablish the native species in the state.The reintroduction would not only increase the Bluegrass' biodiversity, but provide additional opportunities for recreation and economic development through hunting, wildlife officials said.Thus, the Kentucky Elk Management Plan was born.A habitat feasibility study identified a biologically appropriate area in eastern Kentucky with a relatively large land base and relatively low human population density. The zone covers 16 counties and over 4.1 million acres of land.The process to reintroduce elk herds began in 1997. The elk were pulled from six Western states -- Arizona, Kansas, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah -- then released into the Bluegrass.By 2002, 1,541 elk were released into the Kentucky elk restoration zone. Now the population is estimated at 13,106, according to a 2019 report.Kentucky now has the highest elk population of any state east of the Mississippi River.The first elk hunt was introduced in 2001 as population numbers increased. KDFWR's initial intent had been to use hunting as the primary population management tool.In the first few years, only a limited number of permits were offered, as KDFWR was still focused on growing the population. But by 2008, the agency began increasing permit allocations. In fact, due to the growing populations, from 2007 to 2009, permit allocations increased by 233 percent.Now wildlife officials are working on maintaining the state's elk population. Herds have regained a solid foothold in some regions. But the continuing effort involves relocating elk from areas in southeast Kentucky with denser populations to the southern extreme of the 16-county elk zone where fewer animals are present.Traditionally, wildlife officials have captured elk with corral traps. But in some recent instances -- like the one in the video player above -- officials have contracted with a helicopter capture crew to move the elk.The aerial technique is less stressful for the animals, wildlife officials said. The crew locates a herd of elk, maneuvers to isolate one elk and deploys a net from the helicopter. A crew member secures and blindfolds the netted animal before placing it in a sling bag. The helicopter then hoists the bag with the elk in it and flies a short distance to a staging area, carefully placing the elk onto a flatbed trailer.Researchers used the same helicopter technique to capture elk in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, which were later trucked to eastern Kentucky for the state's restoration effort from 1997-2002.Kentucky Fish and Wildlife approved a new elk management plan in 2016. It is designed to serve as a road map for the long-term goals for the management of Kentucky’s elk herd through 2030. For more information, click here.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Once nonexistent in the Bluegrass, elk populations are now in the tens of thousands, thanks to an aggressive plan to reintroduce the once-native species.
Prior to European settlement, elk were the most widely spread member of the deer family in North America. Accounts from Kentucky pioneers suggest that elk were abundant in many areas of the state, a detail also supported by Kentucky's many place names that reflect the past presence of elk, officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
But habitat loss and overhunting led to widespread depopulation of elk throughout the eastern United States, and Kentucky was no exception.
The last wild elk of Kentucky's pioneer era was reportedly killed prior to the Civil War, a KDFWR report states.
But in the late 20th century, an effort was launched to reestablish the native species in the state.
The reintroduction would not only increase the Bluegrass' biodiversity, but provide additional opportunities for recreation and economic development through hunting, wildlife officials said.
Thus, the Kentucky Elk Management Plan was born.
A habitat feasibility study identified a biologically appropriate area in eastern Kentucky with a relatively large land base and relatively low human population density. The zone covers 16 counties and over 4.1 million acres of land.
The process to reintroduce elk herds began in 1997. The elk were pulled from six Western states -- Arizona, Kansas, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah -- then released into the Bluegrass.
By 2002, 1,541 elk were released into the Kentucky elk restoration zone. Now the population is estimated at 13,106, according to a 2019 report.
Kentucky now has the highest elk population of any state east of the Mississippi River.
Via Kentucky Department of Wildlife
Via Kentucky Department of Wildlife
The first elk hunt was introduced in 2001 as population numbers increased. KDFWR's initial intent had been to use hunting as the primary population management tool.
In the first few years, only a limited number of permits were offered, as KDFWR was still focused on growing the population. But by 2008, the agency began increasing permit allocations. In fact, due to the growing populations, from 2007 to 2009, permit allocations increased by 233 percent.
Now wildlife officials are working on maintaining the state's elk population. Herds have regained a solid foothold in some regions. But the continuing effort involves relocating elk from areas in southeast Kentucky with denser populations to the southern extreme of the 16-county elk zone where fewer animals are present.
Mark Marraccini/Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
Mark Marraccini/Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
Traditionally, wildlife officials have captured elk with corral traps. But in some recent instances -- like the one in the video player above -- officials have contracted with a helicopter capture crew to move the elk.
The aerial technique is less stressful for the animals, wildlife officials said. The crew locates a herd of elk, maneuvers to isolate one elk and deploys a net from the helicopter. A crew member secures and blindfolds the netted animal before placing it in a sling bag. The helicopter then hoists the bag with the elk in it and flies a short distance to a staging area, carefully placing the elk onto a flatbed trailer.
Researchers used the same helicopter technique to capture elk in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, which were later trucked to eastern Kentucky for the state's restoration effort from 1997-2002.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife approved a new elk management plan in 2016. It is designed to serve as a road map for the long-term goals for the management of Kentucky’s elk herd through 2030. For more information, click here.