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Advisory board backs 10% increase in elk objectives for four White Pine units
Summary
The White Pine County Wildlife Advisory Board voted to recommend a 10% increase in elk population objectives for Units 11, 12, 13 and 22 after NDOW presentations showed capacity and modeling support; the motion carried with no opposition.
The White Pine County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife voted to recommend raising elk population objectives by 10% in unit groups comprising Areas 11, 12, 13 and 22.
Ridge Ricketts of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) presented survey and modeling data showing Area 12 had 703 elk classified with a calf ratio of 38 and that modeling adjustments estimate approximately 966 elk. Ricketts explained "under the new elk management plan, populations can increase or decrease by up to 10% annually." Board members including Thomas Brunson and Mitchell McVicars said habitat and carrying capacity in the named units support an increase. "I would be comfortable keeping [Area 11] where it stands," Brunson said while supporting increases for other units.
Board discussion covered harvest metrics and bull age-class concerns; Ricketts reported harvest numbers (Area 12: 91 bulls and 91 antlerless elk) and explained the department's modeling approach. After exchange and public comment from Trevor Marques about cultivated ground and cow counts, Ray Sawyer moved to support the adjustment, Jake Rosevear seconded and the motion carried with no opposition.
The board recorded the motion to increase population objectives for Units 11, 12, 13 and 22 by 10%, with language that allows future adjustments if monitoring indicates different outcomes. The board noted annual review of objectives to permit incremental changes of less than the full 10% if warranted.
