E. ELK 



1) Introduction 



The elk population which inhabited the impact area consisted 

 of a number of small isolated herds scattered throughout the area. 

 These herds were descendants of elk transplanted into Lincoln 

 County from Yellowstone National Park and the National Bison Range. 

 A total of nine transplants, totalling 311 animals, were conducted 

 from 1927 to 1966 (Mont. Dep. Fish, Wildl. and Parks unpub. files). 

 Where potential for elk and white-tailed deer competition has 

 existed, the white-tailed deer were given management priority with 

 reductions in the elk population recommended as a means of reducing 

 the interspecific competition (Bergeson 1946, Blair 1955b, U.S. 

 Dep. Agric. 1956). Currently elk are ranked second, behind white- 

 tailed deej , in the management priority listing of wildlife species 

 for Region One (northwestern Montana), Montana Department of Fish, 

 Wildlife and Parks. 



2) Seasonal Habitat Preference 



During the spring through fall period, elk were scattered in 

 small herds throughout the area of concern. The majority of the 

 habitat types within the area of concern were utilized by elk during 

 this period; preferred areas of foraging habitat were located 

 adjacent to thermal cover and available water. 



As snow accumulated in late fall and early winter, the elk 

 migrated onto the winter ranges. These ranges were usually south- 

 and west- facing slopes, and were usually located on the mid to upper 

 portions of the slope, above the area occupied by wintering white- 

 tailed deer and below the area utilized by wintering mule deer (U.S. 

 Dep. Agric. 1956). During periods of severe winter weather, the elk 

 demonstrated a tendency to migrate onto the lower benches and bottom 

 lands, increasing the interspecific competition with wintering 

 white-tailed deer (Blair 1955a). 



3) Population Status 



The elk herd within Lincoln County steadily increased in size 

 after the initial transplants and was still increasing during the 

 mid 1960's (U.S. Dep. Agric. 1965a, 1965b). In 1941, the first 

 hunting season was opened to reduce the elk herd, suspected of 

 becoming large enough to dominate the white-tailed deer winter 

 range. The season was reopened in 1952 and a general elk season 

 has been in effect since. 



The area of the Kootenai River impacted by the Libby Dam pro- 

 ject never supported a very large population of elk. Brown (1983, 

 pers. commun.) estimated there were 50 elk using the Kootenai River 

 valley from Jennings to Gateway. These elk were scattered in small 

 herds throughout the area with no occurrence of major seasonal 

 concentrations. U.S. Dep. Inter. (1965) estimated there were 300 



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