Elk population survey reveals over 2500 elk along Humboldt County coast

Wildlife population estimates took center stage at the recent Fish & Game Advisory Commission meeting in Del Norte County, California, highlighting innovative methods to assess elk numbers in the region. With traditional aerial surveys deemed impractical, officials have turned to ground-based counting and advanced technology to gain a clearer picture of the elk population, which is now believed to exceed 2,500 individuals.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the commission has been utilizing a combination of camera traps and DNA analysis to supplement their minimum count data. This approach has proven essential, especially since bulls tend to be more elusive than cows, leading to historical underestimations of their numbers. The commission noted that the elk herds along the coast have split into three subgroups, with many cows returning to areas near Elk Valley Rancheria.

Discussions also touched on the potential for landowners with smaller properties to collaborate in order to qualify for hunting tags. The commission clarified that contiguous acreage is required for landowner tags, and multiple smaller properties can band together to meet this requirement. However, concerns about the legality of harvesting on smaller parcels were raised, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of property sizes and safety regulations.

The commission is currently at capacity for Private Lands Management (PLM) tags, which are essential for managing hunting opportunities. To allocate more tags, a supplemental environmental document or new commission approval would be necessary. The conversation underscored the importance of incentivizing landowners to improve wildlife habitats, as many current discussions involve property owners who are hesitant to increase wildlife presence on their lands.

As the commission looks to enhance hunting opportunities and educate landowners about available programs, they aim to address the underutilization of tags, with 70 tags reportedly going unused last season. The upcoming year will serve as a critical test to see if these efforts can successfully increase participation and harvest opportunities for local hunters.