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2013 ONTARIO ELK RESEARCH AND
MONITORING UPDATE
July 11, 2013
Synopsis
The following are updates from the elk research and monitoring leads in the four
elk release areas of Ontario – 1) Bancroft/North Hastings 2) Nipissing/French River 3)
Lake of the Woods 4) Lake Huron/North Shore. Late winter (Jan/Mar 2013) elk
population estimates for the four release areas are (core elk range only):
1. Bancroft/North Hastings – 394 to 633 elk
2. Nipissing/French River –
130 to 160 elk
3. Lake of the Woods - elk –
50 to 70 elk
4. Lake Huron/North Shore –
160 to 240 elk
A very conservative estimate of the provincial elk population is that during
January/March 2013, there were about 734 to 1,103 elk in the core elk ranges in
Ontario.
2013 BANCROFT/NORTH HASTINGS ELK RESEARCH AND
MONITORING UPDATE
Dr. Rick Rosatte, MNR, Wildlife Research & Development Section (WRDS), Trent University,
DNA Building, Peterborough, Ontario, phone 705-755-2280, e-mail rick.rosatte@ontario.ca
To determine the estimated size of the elk population in the Bancroft/North
Hastings core elk range (a 2,500 km2 area), an aerial survey was conducted on January
23, 2013, using an EC 130 helicopter. The crew included pilot Dan Kennedy (MNR
Aviation Services), Rick Rosatte and Mike Allan (MNR Wildlife Research and
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Development Section), Trevor Harris and Katrina Demers (Bancroft District MNR). The
temperature was -34C, there was ample snow cover on the ground, and the skies were
clear and sunny for the majority of the 2 flights (2 – 2.5 hr flights). A total of 174
different elk were observed. That included 104 cows, 26 bulls (12 mature), and 44 calves.
Of those elk, 35 were observed to have radio collars. Using a mark-resight model
(Ecological Methodology software), the estimated number of elk in the survey area at that
time was 499.6 (394.2-633.3) (95% Confidence Interval). This is a pre-calving
population estimate (calves are born in late May/early June) and the population could
decline after the survey depending on winter severity.
Forty-two percent (44/104) of the cows were accompanied by calves born during
the previous year. The bull to cow ratio acquired from the survey data was 25:100.
However, 14 of the 26 bulls that were observed were yearlings (spike horns). Using only
mature bulls, the bull to cow ratio drops to 11.5:100. This low mature bull to cow ratio is
of concern as a ratio of 20:100 (mature bulls to mature cows) is ideal to maintain
maximum productivity. This could be an underestimate as bull elk tend to congregate in
small bull groups during the winter and are very difficult to locate during surveys unless
they are collared.
The January 2013 elk population estimate (mean=499.6) is higher (34%) than the
January 2012 estimate (mean = 374 elk) (but similar to the 2011 estimate). The difference
between the 2012 and 2013 estimates may be real or it may be due to sampling error. The
best estimate is that there are approximately (round numbers) 400 to 600 elk within the
Bancroft core elk zone and this estimate is within the MNR’s elk population objective
for the Bancroft core elk area.
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Figure 1. Rick Rosatte and Mike Alan with the EC 130 MNR helicopter ready to begin
the elk survey with perfect conditions on January 23, 2013. The pilot was Dan Kennedy.
Within the Bancroft core elk area there are several social groups of elk. The
Lingham Lake/Queensboro elk group is doing well with 52 elk (33 cows, 6 bulls, 13
calves) being observed during the January 2013 survey (Figure 2). This is a numerical
decrease over the number (65) of elk observed during the 2012 survey. However, during
the 2013 survey, the largest group size ever recorded in Lingham (49 elk) was observed
west of Deer Rock Lake and another social group of elk south of Mt Moriah was not
located due to telemetry problems (those elk were located on the GPS collar website so
we knew they were there at the time we were flying but could not locate them as no VHF
signals were located).
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Figure 2. Part of the Lingham elk social group (49 elk) that were located west of Deer
Rock Lake on January 23, 2013. Photo by Rick Rosatte.
A cow elk group that has been previously located south of Kaladar may have
joined one of the Lingham groups (i.e. the one located west of Deer Rock Lake) as the
Kaladar cow group was not located (there are no collars on those elk). We did, however,
find 2 mature bulls south of Kaladar where the cow group traditionally winters.
The number of elk observed (43 – 28 cows, 5 bulls, 10 calves) in the Turiff elk
social group was numerically higher during January 2013 compared to the 2012 survey
(19 elk) (Figure 3). However, part of the Mephisto group may have joined the Turriff elk
group as the Mephisto/Limerick Lake elk group decreased in size with respect to
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animals observed during 2013 {13 elk (9 cows, 3 bulls, 1 calf observed during 2013) vs
19 in 2012}.
Figure 3. Part of the Turriff elk social group as observed from the helicopter on January
23, 2013. Photo by Rick Rosatte.
The New Carlow/Boulter area elk group remains fairly stable with 17 elk (9
cows, 1 bull, 7 calves) being located during the January 2013 survey. There were 17 and
23 elk observed during 2 surveys in 2012. The 2013 numbers are down substantially from
the number of elk observed in the area during 2011 (30 elk). However, this is expected as
the area is being managed to diminish elk/human conflicts on agricultural lands via a
harvest and when necessary issuance of agricultural authorizations.
The Hartsmere elk group appeared to be decreasing with 41 elk (23 cows, 8
bulls, 10 calves) being observed during January 2013 (Figure 4). During the two 2012
surveys, 47 and 44 elk were detected with 53 elk being observed in 2011. However, the
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group may have splintered as winter feeding by residents is common in that area. In
addition, 6 elk (2 cows, 1 bull, 3 calves) were located just north of Hartsmere near Little
Ireland during the 2013 survey (4 elk were located in this area during the 2012 survey).
Figure 4. Part of the Hartsmere elk social group located on January 23, 2013. Photo by
Rick Rosatte.
No elk were observed in the Madoc area during the 2013 survey; however,
residents have noted a few elk in the area during 2012, primarily in the agricultural area
north of Hwy 7 and east of Hwy 62. None of those animals are collared which makes
them extremely difficult to locate.
It should be noted that an increase or decrease in the number of elk observed
annually does not necessarily equate to a population increase or decrease as the key
determining factor in the population estimator model is the number of collared animals
observed during the survey.
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During 2012, elk were reported in many areas outside of the Bancroft area core
elk zone from the Ottawa valley to Kingston to Bobcaygeon. These areas were not flown
during the survey. In addition, there are no functioning radio-collars in these areas and
the elk would have been very difficult to locate.
A total of 23 elk (10 bulls, 13 cows) were harvested during the September, 2012
Ontario elk hunt (OMNR 2013) which is restricted to the greater Bancroft area. An
additional aboriginal harvest included 10 elk (5 bulls 5 cows). The total harvest
(including aboriginal) represented about 7 percent of the January 2013 elk population
estimate. It appears that this level of harvest has not had a negative impact on elk
population size in the core elk area, especially in view of the fact that the population
estimate increased by 34% during 2012 to 2013. More importantly, the number of elk in
the core area remains within MNR’s population objective of 400 to 600 elk. If needed,
the harvest can be used as a management tool to modify elk population numbers (by
modifying the number of tags allocated/year) to bring them within the population
objective.
Generally, bull:cow elk ratios reported in the literature refer to mature bulls to
mature cow ratios. Mature bulls are generally those that are 3 years of age or older
(Raedeke et al. 2002; Stalling et al., 2002). Ideally, mature bull to cow ratios should be at
least 20:100 to maximize productivity as mature bulls do the majority of breeding
(Raedeke et al. 2002). It must be noted that of the 21 bull elk harvested during the
Bancroft area September 2011/12 hunts, 18 were mature bulls (>5x5 rack). In addition,
only 12 of 26 bull elk (mature bull to cow ratio of 12:100) observed during the January
2013 elk survey were mature. Overharvest of mature bulls has been documented on
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numerous occasions in the western U.S. as resulting in elk population declines due to too
few mature bulls involved in breeding (McCorquodale et al. 2011; Raedeke et al. 2002;
Stalling et al. 2002). To resolve this situation, a spike only bull hunt was initiated in
Washington. Should low mature bull ratios become an issue in the Bancroft area in the
future, consistent with the Elk Harvest Management Guidelines, consideration may be
given to introducing new harvest strategies (e.g. a selective harvest of bulls via ageclassed antler restrictions) to help balance the harvest of mature versus immature animals.
Thanks to the many people and organizations who assisted with the program over
the years, either financially or in the field. They include: the Quinte Elk Restoration
Committee; Safari Club International (Ottawa and Ontario chapters); the Ontario
Federation of Anglers and Hunters, MNR Aviation Services; MNR Wildlife Research
and Development Section (Dr. J. Chris Davies, manager), MNR Bancroft District (Vince
Ewing, manager) and MNR Peterborough District (Karen Bellamy, manager). Special
thanks to Mike Allan of the MNR Wildlife Research & Development Section for his
assistance with the 2012/13 elk research program. The Bancroft update was reviewed by
staff from MNR Bancroft District, Wildlife Research and Development, and Wildlife
Sections.
Literature cited
McCorquodale, S., P. Wik, and P. Fowler. 2011. Elk survival and mortality causes in the
Blue Mountains of Washington. Journal of Wildlife Management 75:897-904.
OMNR. 2013. Elk hunt statistics and summary. January 17, 2013. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources unpublished report, Bancroft, Ontario, 5pp.
Raedeke, K., J. Millspaugh, and P. Clarke. 2002. Population characteristics. PP 449-491.
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In North American elk, ecology and management, D. Toweill and J. WardThomas eds., Smithsonian Institute Press, Washington.
Stalling, D., G. Wolfe, and D. Crockett. 2002. Regulating the hunt. PP 749-791. In North
American elk, ecology and management, D. Toweill and J. Ward- Thomas eds.,
Smithsonian Institute Press, Washington.
2) Nipissing/French River elk research program update
Dr. Josef Hamr, Research/Fieldwork Coordinator, Sudbury Elk Restoration
Committee
Mortality: From April 2012 to April 2013, 21 known mortalities occurred in the
Burwash/French River elk population. These included 11 animals (5 calves, 4 pregnant
cows, 2 bulls) killed by CN trains between January and March 2013, 3 adult and one
yearling cows killed by wolves, 2 adult bulls killed by vehicles on HWY69 (in June and
October 2012), 2 drowned bulls in the Georgian Bay sphere (found in spring and fall
2012), 1 adult cow shot by a deer hunter in November 2012, and 1 adult cow that died of
unknown causes 2 months after February 2012 capture and collaring. Of the dead
animals, 7 were fitted with VHF and 1 with GPS radio-collars. With a total of 38-43
collared animals present in the elk range during the past year, this would represent about
a 20% mortality rate, which is rather high. Extrapolated to a total estimated population of
165-195 in spring 2012, 33-39 animals older than 1 year may have been lost during the
past year. This can be attributed to an above average snowfall (snowpack depth over 70
cm in February-March) and relatively high winter severity. Over half of the known
mortalities were caused by collisions with trains.
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Rut: Rutting activity was observed at Burwash from the start of September to the
beginning of October 2012, with several mature bulls competing for harems of adult
cows and calves.
Winter Activity on HWY 69: From January to March 2013, elk tracks, beds and signs of
foraging activity were again observed along the newly 4-laned section of HWY 69,
between Trout Lake and Makynen Roads between Estaire and Wanup. Tracks and several
elk sightings were recorded on both sides of the highway, especially in early winter.
However, the 2 above mentioned vehicle collisions with adult elk bulls occurred during
the snow-free period and overall winter activity of elk along the highway was lower than
in the previous year, most likely due to the deeper snow.
Aerial Population Surveys:
The early winter elk population/calf survey was flown on Dec. 29, 2012. The
results were encouraging. The survey crew spotted 124 elk in 4.5 hours of flying, making
it the highest number of elk ever spotted during an aerial survey in the Nipissing-French
River release area. The largest herd was found at Burwash and counted over 40 animals.
The survey crew counted 23 calves, 86 yearling/adult cows, and 15 yearling/adult bulls.
Although the calf number may have been somewhat under-represented due to the
difficulty of counting animals in large groups and under forest cover, it yielded a ratio of
27-30 calves : 100 cows. It is apparent that calf mortality during the first 7 months of life
is still relatively high, most likely due to predation. The total early winter elk population
was estimated at 155 - 206 animals.
The late winter elk population/calf survey was flown on Mar. 26 and Apr. 2,
2013. The survey could not be completed in one day, due to a helicopter malfunction.
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Care was taken not to double-count animals during the second flight by verifying
distances between locations and herd associations with respect to collared animals. The
crew spotted a total of 92 elk, including 68 yearling/adult cows, 10-12 calves and 12
yearling/adult bulls. The largest herd, around 50 animals, was again spotted at Burwash.
It included only 5-6 calves. The overall survey yielded expected low calf : cow ratio of
15-17 : 100. Given the unusually high mortality and low recruitment, the total population
estimate has dropped to 130-160 animals at the end of the tough 2012/13 winter.
The Nipissing-French River elk population is now spread over approximately
1,500-2,000 square km from northern Georgian Bay shore in the south, to HWY 17 in the
north, and from Nairn Centre in the west to Coniston in the east. Apart from the core
population of 70-90 animals at Burwash, small satellite herds have formed at
Paddy/Horseshoe Lakes, Hartley Bay, Raft Lake and Worthington (east of Nairn Centre).
It is apparent that elk in the King Island/French River delta area on the Georgian Bay
shore are gradually decreasing in number, most likely due to predation and drowning
through the increasingly bad ice.
Radio-collaring:
Heli Horizon wildlife capture crew (Quebec) net-gunned and collared 3 adult
female elk at the end of February 2013. One of them was a Burwash cow with a
malfunctioning iridium GPS collar, which was replaced with a functional one, removed
from an accidentally shot cow during the November deer season. Two VHF collars were
fitted on cows at Worthington in order to gain more information on the home range of
this satellite herd. One of the new collars replaced an old, non-functioning VHF collar,
fitted on the cow in Elk Island National Park in 1999. It is essential to have collared
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animals in as many of the satellite groups as possible, in order to keep track of future
population dynamics.
Current Research:
1. A study of the effectiveness of the crossing structures, wildlife fencing/one-way
escape gates and wildlife activity along the newly opened 4-lane Highway 69 by
Eco-kare International, Peterborough (http://www.eco-kare.com/) continued
throughout 2012-13. In January 2013, a M.Sc. study on the subject was initiated
by Sean Boyle of the Biology Department at Laurentian University (thesis
supervisors: Jackie Litzgus and David Lesbareres, J. Hamr committee member).
2. Post-Restoration Habitat Use and Population Distribution of Elk (Cervus
elaphus) in Central Ontario conducted by MSc. Candidate David McGeachy,
Biology Department, Laurentian University (thesis supervisors: Josef Hamr and
Frank Mallory) commenced in January 2012 and is in the final stages of field data
collection. The project is funded by Xstrata Nickel’s Sudbury Operations and the
Sudbury Elk Restoration Committee, with in-kind contributions from SERC,
Cambrian College, School of Renewable Energy and Environmental Studies,
Laurentian University, Biology Department, Hartley Bay Marina, and Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources. The study involves diurnal, nocturnal, and
seasonal habitat use by elk in the core Burwash population, as well as the
mapping of the elk population’s current distribution throughout the region. The
research is accomplished through VHF and GPS radio-telemetry, as well as aerial
(helicopter) and ground population surveys.
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All collared elk are located by ground telemetry 1-4 times weekly, at different times
of day and night, amounting to 20-40 hours of radio-tracking/week. Hourly adult cow
location data from 6 iridium GPS collars is downloaded directly from a Lotek
Engineering website. Snowmobiles, ATVs, canoe, and motor boats are used to access
collared animals throughout the elk population’s distribution range (approximately 1,500
km²). A spring (May-June) predator bait site was established near the core of the
Burwash elk population’s range in an effort to attract bears, wolves and coyotes and
mitigate their impact on newborn elk calves. Bait (fish scraps, roadkill) was replenished
weekly and the site was monitored with motion-triggered cameras, registering visits by
several bears and wolves. Sporadic field work will continue throughout the spring and
summer 2013 to fill in gaps in data and ensure viable statistical analysis. Thesis
completion is projected by the end of 2013.
FIGURE. An elk cow collared in February 2012 during the summer at Burwash. Photo
by D. McGeachy.
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3) Lake of the Woods elk research program update
Norm Hissa, Senior Fish and Wildlife Technical Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, Kenora, Ontario
Lake of the Woods Elk – Summary of Management Activities, 2012
Elk management in Lake of the Woods area continues to receive support from the
local elk committee created at the time of restoration. During 2012/13, the committee was
comprised of members from MNR (including the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem
Research; CNFER); Rocky Mountain Elk Restoration Incorporated of Thunder Bay
(RMER, Inc), the Northwestern Ontario Elk Restoration Coalition (NOERC), and
Lakehead University.
The main objectives for the year were to (1) continue to monitor the radiocollared elk on a semi-regular basis to determine movements and survival; (2) continue
with photo surveillance of elk in the Cameron Lake area and use photographs to help
with determining the size and status of the populations; (3) conduct the annual aerial calf
survey; and, (4) try to arrange a period to trap elk and fit them with a radio-collar.
Monitoring of Radio-Collared Elk
Radio telemetry monitoring of seven radio-collared elk in the Cameron Lake area
was conducted by a consortium of individuals: Bruce Ranta (MNR), Murray English
(NOERC) and Mike Dawe (MNR/NOERC); Blake Laporte and Jennifer Shuter of
CNFER; and Norm Hissa and Jim McNulty of Kenora MNR. One elk mortality was
found on September 27, 2012. Bull ID 126 (frequency 150.911) was picked up as a
mortality signal. The collar was later found by a hunter and returned to the MNR on
November 4, 2012. Cause of death is unknown, it may have fallen off, however,
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poaching or un-regulated hunting is not ruled out. This elk was born in Ontario and netgunned and collared in 2009.
Photo-Surveillance
Three remote cameras were employed in the field by NOERC and MNR working
collaboratively (Murray English, Mike Dawe and Bruce Ranta). Cameras were set out
from April 13 to August 22 in the Isinglass Lake Road and Stanbury Road areas. These
areas are within a 12 kilometre radius of the Cameron Lake pen release site. Hundreds of
images were obtained and many different elk were captured digitally (as well as
numerous other animals, including wolves, bears, foxes, moose and deer). Images were
catalogued and analysed by Bruce.
Most of the photos of elk taken came from the periods July 30 to August 22; and
then from August 22 to September 14. The Isinglass Lake Camera was pulled and not
reset after being checked on August 22. Our examination of the photos provided the
following minimum count of elk in the Cameron Lake Rd/Stanbury Rd/Isinglass Rd area
(the core range):
Uncollared animals:
7 bulls minimum all at least 4x4 or larger
3 calves
3 yearling cows
3 yearling bulls
Plus we know there were 6 collared elk (4 cows and 2 bulls) in the core area, for a total of
22 animals (again, this is the minimum count). We photographed one adult bull elk, one
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yearling bull and a yearling cow in the Isinglass area (the large 7X7 bull collar was
picked up in the fall and considered a mortality). The minimum conservative estimate for
the entire core area is 25 elk going into the winter.
Of note in our photos was an elk cow that appeared to have twin calves, judging
by how many times photos were taken of the two calves ‘acting’ like twins (see photo
below).
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Based on the photographic evidence and on-the-ground observations, we estimate that the
number of elk in the core areas remains in the 35-45 animal range we have been reporting
over the past couple of years.
Annual Aerial Calf Survey
The annual aerial calf survey was conducted on April 26, 2013. This survey is
typically conducted in early April when there is 50% snow coverage or less. From past
surveys it was found that at the very end of late winter, elk start to move out into more
open areas and tend to stand out with their bleached coats and are much easier to observe.
Earlier, elk are very difficult to see, they stick close to heavy cover under cedar or spruce
or are found on top of steep rock outcrops under dense jack or red pine stands.
This year snow coverage at the time of the survey was still 80-90% and 25-30cm
deep. Water bodies in the area were completely frozen with at least 50 cm of ice. Flying
conditions were excellent, sunny, clear, light winds from the south at 5-10 km/hr. Air
temperature went up to 10 C.
It was decided to not wait much longer in the year as to not stress pregnant cows
as they approached calving time toward the end of May. Elk were found in the open for
the most part, and adjacent to cut-overs. All 6 elk with radio collars were found. Four
other uncollared elk and one collared elk was also observed. Of the uncollared elk, three
were unknown sex and one was a 5 x 5 bull. An unknown collared elk was the other elk
observed. One group of five elk were seen together and three groups of two. All appeared
to be adult elk.
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From the Cameron Lake and Stanbury road area the flight continued west and
south approximately 50 km towards the hamlet of North Branch. This is an area with
farming, mostly cattle, but mainly forested land with forestry operations conducted on
privately owned property. The terrain is flat for the most part. An area was searched
where elk were previously known to reside, but were not observed during this flight.
Only three deer were seen and one bear. No wolves were observed during this flight.
Melting snow at this time also made it difficult to observe any fresh tracks. However,
Norm Hissa had flown in an area, 30 to 40 km north and west of the Cameron release
area during late March and did observe many sets of wolf tracks and several wolf kills in
a deer wintering area. Very few deer or tracks were observed though. This is not unusual
for late winter and the moderate to severe winter conditions experienced in 2012/13.
These observations correspond with the general sentiment that wildlife management unit
7B is still characterized by relatively high wolf numbers, and high predation risk for
ungulates and also declining deer numbers.
Elk Capture and Collaring
Two elk box traps were set-up and pre-baited in the Stanbury Lake road area from
September 18 to September 28. Staff from MNR CNFR (Blake LaPorte and Jen Shuter)
and Kenora District (John Myshrall) were available to set and monitor the traps. Traps
were baited with alphalpha hay and pellets, a salt block and a pail of fresh water.
One bull elk was captured and fitted with a radio collar (freq. 150.526) and ear tagged
(orange 014) (Photo below). The traps were dismantled on September 28.
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On October 16 an elk trap was relocated and baited in the Cameron Lake area and
monitored until October 18 by MNR Kenora District staff members Norm Hissa and Jim
McNulty. No elk were captured and the trap was disassembled. GPS collars were
available; however, they proved to be too small for the bull elk captured. An insert was
later added so they could be used in the future. The VHF collar was placed on the
captured bull elk. Electrical tape holding a magnet was inadvertently left in place. The
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magnet prevents the collar from functioning. As hoped, the tape came off the collar and
the VHF signal was picked up later in the winter during monitoring.
Other Items of Interest
As in past years, a number of elk reports were made during the year outside the
‘core’ elk area in the vicinity of the Cameron Lake release site. One group of four elk (1
bull and 2 cows and a calf) continue to stay most of the winter near a farm north of Fort
Frances. The large bull which had been there the year before died, but the group retained
its population with the addition of a calf. The large adult bull (ear tag 449) was found
deceased in September. Cause of death was not known, possibly died of old age.
MNR Fort Frances reported that a farmer in the North Branch area, in the Rainy River
area reported elk in a field. This is in the area where elk have been reported and observed
in the past. This group is likely made up of 10 or less animals.
Other elk reports from outside the core elk range were also reported during 2012.
Information was provided by a retired police officer of elk tracks and sign (scrapes)
during the fall period from 2007-2011, observed during hunting trips on the Aulneau
Peninsula in the area of Miles Bay. Bruce Ranta and Norm Hissa were able to travel to
this remote area by helicopter and set up a remote camera in a large grassy meadow for
approximately 6 weeks. No photos came back of elk, a bear had tampered with the
camera. Of note were the incredibly high numbers of wood ticks in the grass meadow at
the time of camera setup and the lack of any ungulate tracks. The hunter who reported the
sightings did not hunt on the Aulneau during the 2012 hunt.
All in all, the total elk population in the LOW Restoration area is likely in the 5070 animal range. We take this as good news, in that the population has been estimated to
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be similar for a few years now, giving credence to the supposition from earlier years the
population is no longer in decline. Given the difficulty of monitoring this population, we
believe that until/unless there is a substantial increase in elk numbers, it will be difficult
to ascertain whether elk numbers are slowly starting to increase.
NOERC and RMER continue to provide logistical and capital support to elk
restoration in Northwestern Ontario. NOERC regularly attends regional Ontario
Federation of Anglers and Hunters zone meetings and provides updates of the elk
restoration program. RMER continues with successful fund-raising (elk ‘dinners’ and
charity shoots) for the program and educational efforts associated with Lakehead
University.
Also of note, the 2012-13 winter in the Lake of the Woods area was average in
terms of temperature, but longer with slightly above average accumulations of snow.
Snow stations maintained by Kenora and other MNR District Offices saw the final winter
snow depth index (SDI) come in with a ranking approaching severe, with respect to
impact on white-tailed deer. The loss of white-tailed deer owing to the winter may be
significant. Wolf numbers remain high and losses due to predation are likely also
significant. Wolf numbers appear high locally as well as regionally. The holder of the
trapline in the Stanbury Lake area continues to harvest wolves (4 were taken in the winter
of 2012-13). This trapping effort directed at wolves may be assisting in calf recruitment.
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4) Lake Huron North Shore Elk research program update
Jim Trottier, Northshore Area Biologist, MNR Blind River Area Office, Blind River, Ontario
As part of a Provincial initiative to restore elk to their historic range, 47 elk were
re-introduced to the Lake Huron North Shore area in April 2001. The elk originated from
Elk Island National Park in Alberta. This update covers elk activities and management
actions occurring over the period of April 2012 to March 2013, the twelfth year since elk
restoration began in the LHNS area.
Aerial Survey
Aerial surveys have been flown annually in late winter since 2002 to monitor growth,
productivity and dispersion of the Lake Huron North Shore herd. However, due to
funding constraints, only a partial survey was completed in 2013, and not all elk areas
within the LHNS area were flown. The elk flight was conducted on 17 February 2013,
and total of 78 elk were seen over the day, comprised of 28 collared and 50 uncollared
animals. The age class and sex of observed animals is provided in Figure 1. Seventeen
groups of elk were located, ranging from single animals to a group of 28. Nine of these
groups, ranging in size from 1 to 4 animals, contained no collared elk. Two collared elk
in the areas that were surveyed could not be located.
2013 Late Winter Population Estimate
As of March 2013, the Lake Huron North Shore herd is estimated to be around
200 elk (range 160-240). However, as only a portion of the LHNS elk range was
surveyed this winter, this estimate has a lot more uncertainty around it than previous
years.
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.
Number
Sex and Age of Elk Observed in 2013
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
16
Uncollared
Collared
13
25
4
0
0
2
Mature
Cow
Immature
Cow
13
Mature
Bull
4
1
Immature
Bull
0
Calf
Unknown
Fig. 1: Sex and age of elk observed during the February 2013 LHNS partial elk
survey.
The herd size has steadily increased by 10% or more per year since the 2001 release
(Fig. 2), and is now around quadruple the number of animals originally re-introduced to
the LHNS area. The majority of elk are found in 5 main social groups or sub-herds:
Laird, Kynoch, Parkinson, Iron Bridge and Elliot Lake, with a few elk scattered in other
areas. Population estimates for each sub-herd or area where elk have been reported were
determined by considering a number of information sources, including survey
observations, sightings/reports of elk received over the past year, and extrapolation from
the February 2012 aerial survey.
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The following table provides a breakdown of the number of elk estimated in each area:
# Elk Seen
SUB-HERD or
Estimated #
Translocated
Estimated
Elk Missed
Elk
# of Elk
During
Area
Survey
LAIRD
not surveyed
35 - 45
35 - 45
Lake
not surveyed
0-1
0-1
Desbarats
not surveyed
0-1
0-1
Poplar Dale
not surveyed
0-3
0-3
KYNOCH
15
3-7
-4
14 - 18
PARKINSON
37
35 - 60
-2
70 - 95
IRON BRIDGE
4
5-9
-4
5-9
Skibo/Patton
1
0-5
1-6
Blind River
not surveyed
1-2
1-2
Endikai
not surveyed
0-5
0-5
ELLIOT LAKE
21
3 - 16
Hinckler Road
not surveyed
0-1
0-1
Other areas
not surveyed
3 - 10
3 - 10
78
80 - 165
Hwy 552/Island
TOTAL
+7
-3
31 - 44
160 - 240
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Calf Productivity
Fourteen calves were located during the February 2013 flight, accompanying the
41 adult cows seen. The percentage of cows with calves was 34.1%, which is just
slightly below the median of 34.6% productivity over the past 12 years (Fig. 3).
Productivity has ranged from a low of 21.6% to a high of 47.4% since the 2001 release.
During aerial surveys, it is likely that some immature cows are misidentified as mature
animals from the air, which would cause productivity (calves:100 cows) to be
underestimated.
Fig. 2: Population estimates for the Lake Huron North Shore elk herd from the initial
release of 47 elk in 2001 to March 2013. Also shown is the number of elk observed each
year during the annual late winter aerial survey. Only part of the herd was surveyed in
2013.
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Percent of Cows with Calves
LHNS Elk Productivity 2002 - 2013
50.0
38.9
40.0
47.4
38.5
32.0
35.0
30.0
42.1
32.0
38.2
34.1
25.0
20.0
25.8
21.6
10.0
0.0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Survey Year
Fig. 3: Percent of mature cows with calves for the LHNS herd during the period of
2002 - 2013. Note: 2003 data includes 3 calves and 1 mature cow captured prior to
survey and translocated to Sudbury herd. 2004 data includes 5 calves and 10
mature cows captured prior to survey and held in enclosure. 2005 and 2007 data
include calves and mature cows not observed during the aerial survey but known
from regular sightings.
Documented Mortality, Disease and Parasites over the Past Year
Six mortality events are known to have occurred over the past year (April 2012 to
March 2013). On 7 April 2012, a landowner near Iron Bridge ran over a cow elk with his
pickup truck while trying to chase a group of elk out of his field. The elk was seriously
injured and had to be euthanized. The landowner has been charged under the Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Act, and the case is still before the court.
On 8 September 2012, a calf elk was killed by a vehicle on Rydal Mill Road in
Laird Township, a half kilometer east of Hwy. 17. On 14 November 2012, a mature bull
was also road-killed when it was hit by a logging truck on Hwy 108 north of Elliot Lake
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at night. Lastly, there were the three mortalities associated with the capture and relocation
project discussed further on in this report.
Nuisance Occurrences
Over the past year, 10 reports of nuisance elk were received by MNR, all
occurring in agricultural areas. Occurrences were reported from 4 properties: 1 farm in
the Kynoch area, 2 farms in the Iron Bridge area, and 1 property in the Laird area. The
nature of the complaints were as follows: 2 incidents of fence damage at 2 farms; 6
reports of damage/loss of silage at 1 farm; 1 report of trampling plants and 1 report of
consuming fall rye and removing the protective straw from plants at a strawberry farm;
and 1 report of elk feeding in vegetable and flower gardens at 1 property.
It is
acknowledged that these were only the reported incidents, and that some of these
occurrences (e.g. elk in silage) continued over a period of time.
Elk Capture and Relocation Project
In response to persistent elk-landowner conflicts in agricultural areas that began
in late 2009, a project to capture and relocate a number of elk was carried out in February
2013. The objective was to eliminate or reduce the problems that elk were causing,
particularly in the Iron Bridge area, and to relocate the captured elk to suitable habitat
near the Elliot Lake sub-herd.
Planning for the project commenced in October 2012. The target was to capture
and radio collar 20 elk using net-gunning, move them by trailer to a holding enclosure
north of Elliot Lake, where they were to be held until spring and then released. Just prior
to the capture, a holding enclosure was constructed on property owned by Denison Mines
in early February 2013. Héli-Horizon Helicopters of Québec, QC, was contracted to
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capture the elk, and the capture and relocation portion of the project commenced on
February 20, 2013 (Fig. 4). However, a major winter storm that occurred on February
19th greatly affected the success of the project, dropping 25 to 30 cm of snow topped with
a hard crust. The elk were very reluctant to move out of the shelter of the trees to areas
where they could be netted, and as a result, only 10 elk were captured over three days
before the project was halted.
Fig. 4. Photos of the elk capture being conducted by Héli-Horizon Helicopters, 20-22
February 2013.
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In total, 4 elk were captured from the Iron Bridge herd, 4 were captured from the Kynoch
herd, and 2 were captured from the Parkinson herd. Sexes and ages of the animals caught
included 2 mature bulls, 6 mature or immature cows, 1 male calf and 1 female calf. On
the third day, 2 mortalities involving cow elk occurred during aerial transport from the
capture site to the trailer. As the cause of mortality could not be determined, and because
of the slow capture rate, a decision was made to terminate the project early. The 2
mortalities were subsequently submitted to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health
Centre at the University of Guelph for necropsy, and the cause of death was determined
to be asphyxiation, presumably from the elk shifting in the cargo net while being slung
under the helicopter. A third cow elk died 8 days after capture while in the holding
enclosure. It was also submitted to the CCWHC, and necropsy revealed that it had died
as a result of injuries sustained during the capture, with hemorrhaging and necrosis of
muscles in both the fore and hind limbs occurring.
The elk in the enclosure were released on April 17, 2013, and within a short time,
they had all joined up with animals in the existing Elliot Lake elk herd. They will be
monitored over the next few years to determine if they remain in the Elliot Lake area.
Summary
The Lake Huron North Shore elk herd continues to grow, with an estimated
population size of between 160 and 240 animals. Seventy-eight elk were seen during a
partial survey, including 14 calves. An elk capture and relocation project was only
partially successful, with 10 elk out of a planned 20 being removed from agricultural
areas, and 7 elk being relocated to the Elliot Lake area.
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In Memoriam
On July 17, 2012, the Lake Huron North Shore elk restoration project lost a friend,
mentor, and dedicated volunteer with the sudden passing of Dr. Dennis Prodan. A longtime veterinarian in Elliot Lake, he was passionate about many interests, including the
restoration of elk to the east Algoma region. Dennis served as the chair of the LHNS Elk
Restoration Committee from its inception in March 1999. Family was the most important
thing in Dennis' life, and he was always proud that he was helping to restore this majestic
animal for the benefit of his children, grandchildren, and future generations. He will be
truly missed.
Dennis Prodan
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Copies of the 2013 annual elk report can be obtained from:
Rick Rosatte, Ph.D
Senior Research Scientist
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Wildlife Research & Development Section
Trent University, DNA Building
2140 East Bank Drive
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9J 7B8
Phone 705 755-2280 Fax 705 755-1559, cell 705 868-8342
e-mail rick.rosatte@ontario.ca