Calgary and Canmore Areas Aerial Winter Elk Survey 2008
By
Jon T. Jorgenson Senior Wildlife Biologist
Canmore
and
Michael Jokinen Biologist
Alberta Conservation Association
May 2008
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Fish and Wildlife Division
Canmore
i
PERMISSION TO QUOTE
This report contains preliminary surveys results and interpretations that may be subject to
future revisions. To prevent the issuance of misleading information, persons must first obtain
permission from the Area Manager of the Southern Rockies Area or the Director of the Wildlife
before quoting from this report, citing in bibliographies or using it in any other possible form.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank P. Young, R. Dipolo, J. Wieliczko, and M. Fontana for
assistance as observers during the 2008 survey. Pilots, T. Cooper, J. Lewis and S. Walsh of
Alpine Helicopters flew the helicopters with great skill and enabled the survey to be completed
safely and accurately.
ABSTRACT
Aerial elk surveys were initiated in 1974 to gain more information about the status and
distribution of elk herds using mountainous areas of Kananaskis Country and the foothills just
west of Calgary. Traditional elk wintering areas within Wildlife Management Units (WMU’s)
310, 312, 314, 404, 406, 408 and 410 were surveyed by helicopter on January 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,
24, and February 1, 2008. A total of 2441 elk were found in the WMU’s including 67 in Bow
Valley Provincial Park (BVPP). The total elk count included 1175 without antler (WOA) (calves
and cows), 114 spike bulls, 89 branch antlered bulls, 94 trophy bulls (5 pts +) and another 969
unclassified elk. The sex ratio was 46 bulls/100 WOA and 14 trophy bulls/100 WOA. A
calf/100 cows ratio of 16 could be determined from the classified portion of the surveyed elk.
This is the highest number of elk observed on any of the surveys conducted since the early
1980’s, however, incomplete coverage of some areas during some of the earlier surveys makes
comparisons difficult. Significant increases in elk numbers were observed in WMU’s 312 and
314.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1
Study area and methods .................................................................................................................. 1
Results and Discussion ................................................................................................................... 2
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Summary of winter elk observations by WMU, 2008..................................................... 2
Table 2. Comparisons of elk numbers and bull ratios observed during the Canmore area winter
surveys (1980-2008) ....................................................................................................................... 5
Table 3. Comparison of elk numbers and bull ratios over the last 13 surveys for WMU 312,
separating out the Jumpingpound herd, 1980-2008........................................................................ 6
Table 4. Number of antlerless elk harvested in WMU 312, 1995-2006 ........................................ 7
Table 5. Summary of elk numbers in the Highwood elk herd, 1974-2008.................................... 9
Table 6. Elk observations during aerial surveys in the Kananaskis Valley, 1978-2008.............. 11
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Checkpoint location and elk classification during the 2008 Calgary and Canmore
winter elk surveys ......................................................................................................................... 12
Appendix 2. Showing elk observation locations by WMU (incl. observations bordering WMU)
during 2008 winter surveys........................................................................................................... 15
1
Introduction
In 1974, a systematic winter aerial survey for elk within individual Wildlife Management
Units (WMU) was initiated in the Canmore and Calgary areas. Since this time, evident winter
elk range has been described, bringing to the light a better understanding of the specie. The main
objective of this project is to acquire continuing empirical field data that can be used to reflect
the winter spatial distribution, the post hunt composition and number of elk within an area.
Consistent data has been collected over the years giving us the possibility to proceed to trend
comparisons of areas well known as elk winter range within each WMU surveyed. The obtained
information is employed to provide wildlife management recommendations within defined areas,
thus including land-use decisions and the generation of permits.
Study area and methods
The area of study integrates the Bow River, continues south of the Highwood River, and
cover mountainous areas of Kananaskis Country and foothills just west of Calgary. More
specifically, WMU’s 310, 312, 314, 406, 408, and 410, which have continually been surveyed,
were subjected for survey of this present year, including the area of Bow Valley Provincial Park
(BVPP). Aerial observations were conducted on January 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, 2008. A
Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter was used for this study, employing a navigator/observer in the
front seat complete with two observers in the back seat. Elk sightings were recorded on a 1:250
000 topographic scale map and a hand held Garmin Legend Cx GPS unit was utilised to log
observation points and record UTM coordinates. All pertinent data was recorded onto survey
sheets and was afterwards condensed into table format (Appendix 1). All elk groups were tallied
and classified as cows or calves (where possible) or as bull elk with spike, branch or trophy (5 or
more points) antlers. Canon Image Stabilizer binoculars were used for class identification:
photographs were taken of large elk groups to later serve in total counts.
Graphics identifying all observation points within the surveyed areas were produced employing
ArcGIS 9.2 (Appendix 2).
The flight path followed a predetermined trajectory designed to cover traditional winter elk
ranges. Parallel transects were flown in some foothill ranges in order to cover the area more
thoroughly because the elk tend to be more widely dispersed in these areas and more difficult to
find. Search efforts were mostly concentred in areas with visible elk tracks in the snow. Survey
attempts were only produced under optimal conditions, i.e. fresh snow and quiet winds.
Results and Discussion
A total of 32.9 flight hours were used for the surveys, including travelling time from fuel
base to fuel cache. Survey conditions were considered good to excellent with complete snow
cover and cold temperatures, except for January 23rd when the temperature rose to 0oC and snow
cover disappeared from some south-facing slopes.
A total of 2441 elk were observed on all the winter ranges (Table 1). All traditional winter
ranges were flown during the 2008 surveys. WMU 312 contained the highest number of elk at
just less than 1000. This is the greatest number of elk observed in this unit. Peter Lougheed
Provincial Park had the least elk observed, however, this park is only superficially surveyed
therefore it is not considered a total count.
Table 1. Summary of winter elk observations by WMU, 2008
2
Number of elk observed Sex ratio Calves perWMU Total Cows Calves U/C WOA Spike Branch Trophy U/C Bulls U/C Elk Bulls/100 Trophy/100 100 cows
310 324 98 13 0 11 6 6 0 190 21 5 13
312 979 149 44 164 52 34 24 0 512 31 7 29
314 293 34 0 227 19 9 4 0 0 12 2 n/a
404 254 114 18 28 9 11 19 5 50 28 12 16
406 171 101 15 0 12 11 17 0 15 34 15 15
408 187 133 15 0 11 9 9 0 10 20 6 11
410 160 16 - - 0 9 15 12 108 n/a n/a n/a
BVPP* 67 - - - - - - - 67 n/a n/a n/a
PLPP* 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a n/a
Totals 2441 651 105 419 114 89 94 17 952 46 14 16* only partially surveyedn/a = not available due to poor sampleWOA = without antlers
3
Trends in elk numbers for each WMU can be more readily evaluated from Table 2 which
shows the historical numbers of elk observed in those units beginning in 1980. The majority of
WMU’s were surveyed during each of the survey years, however, some WMU’s could not be
surveyed completely or were not surveyed at all some years due to lack of aircraft availability,
poor weather conditions, loss of adequate survey conditions or funding limitations.
There is considerable variation in elk numbers observed in each of the WMU’s (Table 2).
This makes it difficult to infer changes in elk populations from one survey to the next and
complicates interpretation of trends over time. Not all units are equal in their reliability of
finding elk. For example, units 312, 314, and 406 are very large units where elk can be found
widely distributed anywhere throughout the unit. Survey budgets do not allow for the entire unit
to be adequately surveyed in a given survey year. Other units such as 310, 404, 408 and 410 are
smaller units and elk distribution is more consistent from year to year, hence one feels more
confident that a majority of the elk that are present are being observed.
WMU’s 310 and 312
Increasing trends in elk numbers appear evident in WMU’s 310 and 312. WMU 310 shows
several rising and falling trends in elk numbers since the early 1970’s. Elk numbers declined by
abo
ed and the elk
can be widely dispersed. In 2008, several herds were observed near Priddis, yet these groups
surveys. The north part of WMU 312 around
Jum
ut 50% from their highs in the early 1980’s and appear to have remained relatively stable
during the 1990’s at around 150. By 2002, however, elk numbers began to increase to over 250
and during this survey (2008), 324 were observed. Bull/antlerless ratios have also increased in
WMU 310 but there has been no discernable change in the trophy bull/antlerless ratio (Table 2).
Calf/cow ratios appear low in both 310 and 312, however, a proportionally large number of elk
in each unit were not classified.
Unit 312 is a difficult unit to reliably survey especially for a large central portion around the
Bragg Creek – Priddis areas. This is a large area that cannot be completely survey
have not always been found during earlier
pingpound creek and the southern portions around Turner Valley and into the Highwood can
be surveyed with a greater degree of reliability.
5
Table 2. Comparisons of elk numbers and bull ratios observed during the Canmore area winter surveys (1980-2008)
WMU YEAR1980 1981 1982 1986 1987 1988 (Jan) 1988 (Feb) 1988 (Mar) 1989 1991 1998
310 Total elk 402 331 343 210 174 ns ns ns 195 ns 137 115Bulls/100 WOA 7 7 11 13 4 11 1 5
Trophy bulls/100 WOA 2 2 3 3 2 1 1 0
312 Total elk 401 265 335 354 265 ns ns ns 442 60a 415 538Bulls/100 WOA 9 2 8 10 11 6 2 1 16
Trophy bulls/100 WOA 2 0 2 2 2 1 n/a 2 5
314 Total elk Included as part of the Calgary/Canmore area elk survey in 1996 nsBulls/100 WOA 7 12
Trophy bulls/100 WOA 0 2
404 Total elk 423 ns 270 202 368 191 253 273 351 291 269Bulls/100 WOA 14 ns 15 17 8 7 5 13 13 9 1 13
Trophy bulls/100 WOA 5 3 3 2 n/c n/c n/c 3 5 7 6
406 Total elk 254 ns 479 299 197 ns ns ns 172 113a 157 127 122 4Bulls/100 WOA 12 15 17 18 17 8 2 51 39 22
Trophy bulls/100 WOA 1 2 6 7 6 0 9 37 27 14
408 Total elk 101 ns 104 22 92 ns ns ns 159 193 234 210 28Bulls/100 WOA 16 23 22a 14 17 16 2 36 24 1
Trophy bulls/100 WOA 2 6 n/a 2 7 4 1 28 18 7
410 Total elk 79 76 124 ns 46 ns ns ns 166 28 16 81 139 13Bulls/100 WOA 16a 14a 6 7a 9 12a 1 14 7 2
Trophy bulls/100 WOA n/a n/a 1 n/a 1 n/a 4 8 2 1
BVPP Total elk 30 45 50 ns ns ns ns ns 80 ns 11 62 66 73Bulls/100 WOA 0 32 19 1 8 7 6 0
Trophy bulls/100 WOA 1 n/a
PLPP Total elk 38 ns 28 15 5 ns ns ns 25 ns n 24a 24a nor WMU407 Bulls/100 WOA 27a 85a 15a 25a 56a 100a 0a
TOTALS* 1728 717 1733 1102 1147 1590 685 13 1450 186
a=incomplete area coverageb=counted from ground on Jan 3, 1996c=counted from ground Jan, 2002*=includes BVPP and PLPPns=not surveyedn/a=not available due to poor sample size or poor coverage of arean/c=not classifiedBVPP=Bow Valley Provincial ParkPLPP=Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
1993 (Jan) 1993 (Mar) 1994 1996
ns ns 1210 4
4
ns ns 7195 12
3
339
184 241 203 2893 6 8 16
2 5 6
ns ns 2224 25
9
181 ns ns 1998 179 9
6 ns ns 1566 29
21
5 ns ns 105bn/a
s ns ns 1828a
55 1829
2000 2002 2004 2005 2008
173 267 252 ns 32434 9 22 2116 4 8 5
799 836 813 ns 97921 11 11 317 3 3 7
251 ns 93 ns 293180 020 0
336 301 ns 292 25414 14 21 286 7 6 12
9 52 ns 1717 8 347 2 15
2 162 292 1877 15 13 20
5 8 6
1 48 ns 1603 68 3
c 58 ns 677
0 0 0 2
s ns ns 6
9 1939 1478 2441
6
Almost 1000 elk were counted in WMU 312 during 2008. The elk count during 2008 is
higher than any previous survey and more than double what was historically seen in the early
1980’s (Table 2). Numbers in the Jumpingpound portion of WMU 312 can be separated out
from the balance of the unit (Table 3). The Jumpingpound herd is a traditional herd that
generally consists of several cows, calves and young bulls that frequent the area southwest of
Highway 22 and the Trans Canada Highway intersection. Smaller groups of older bulls are
usually in the area but can be more difficult to find.
Numbers of elk have increased in both the Jumpingpound portion of WMU 312 and the
remaining portion (Table 3). Efforts at reducing elk numbers in WMU 312 through increased
antlerless hunting permits and split seasons have increased the harvest but have not yet reached
levels required to create a reduction in the population (Table 4).
Table 3. Comparison of elk numbers and bull ratios over the last 13 surveys for WMU 312, separating out the Jumpingpound herd, 1980-2008
Year WMU 312 Bulls/100 Jumpingpound Bulls/100excluding Jmppnd. antlerless herd only antlerless
1980 363 5 38 191981 265 2 ns ns1982 265 3 70 301986 256 7 98 181987 249 8 16 01989 347 6 95 41993 277 12 138 231996 557 11 162 141998 367 22 171 52000 607 27 199 112002 675 15 161 02004 560 16 253 92008 694 20 285 not classified
ns = not surveyed
The Jumpingpound herd in the northern part of WMU 312 may be moving into areas
traditionally not occupied. In recent years these elk have been known to cross the Trans Canada
Highway to the north and have also been using areas east of Highway 22 between the Elbow
river and the Trans Canada Highway. Both areas are capable of supporting more elk.
7
Table 4. Number of antlerless elk harvested in WMU 312, 1995-2007
Year Number of Estimated Harvest (a) Harvest (b)Permits Total Confidence % Confidence
Limit1995 41 19 4 19 181996 141 73 18 25 461997 289 37 21 58 561998 238 87 13 15 471999 300 39 8 21 31
/a n/a/a n/a
2007 264 56 n/a n/a n/a
2000 403 77 25 33 442001 309 82 18 23 562002 316 68 7 20 312003 311 107 8 8 422004 296 42 n/a n/a n/a2005 123 40 n/a n2006 296 76 n/a n
(a) = Numbers based on telephone questionnaire
WMU 314
This unit is difficult to reliably survey due to its large size and lack of reliability in finding
elk on traditional areas. Their distribution in this WMU is highly influenced by the winter
conditions. More elk were observed in this unit during 2008 than in any previous survey (Table
2). WMU 314 was only recently (1996) included into the Canmore/Calgary winter elk survey,
therefore elk numbers prior to 1996 were unknown. Only anecdotal reports of elk numbers were
available and these were mostly related to crop/haystack depredation complaints. Only 4 surveys
have been conducted in this unit to date and counts have been highly variable (Table 2). The
2008 count of around 300 is similar to the 1996 count of 339. Due to the variable survey counts
and poor reliability of the counts, it is difficult to determine trends for this population with any
degree of certainty. The surveys do, however, provide a minimum estimate of what is likely in
e area and provide a baseline for setting hunting permits.
WM
th
U 404
This is a regionally significant elk herd that winters in the Highwood and Mist creek
drainages. The Highwood valley is acknowledged as containing some of the best mountainous
wintering range for elk along the Southern East Slopes. The major highway that traverses the
8
rea (Highway 40) is designated a road corridor wildlife sanctuary and is closed to public travel
end counts indicate that
bers have declined since the early 1980’s and then increased starting around 2000 followed
by what currently appears to be another decline (Table 2).
Reasons for the declines are unknown. The increase in numbers during 2000-2002 is likely
the result of a transplant that occurred in 1998 when over 100 elk were relocated from Ya Ha
Tinda and released in the Highwood Pass. All transplanted elk were ear tagged and some radio-
collared. Some of the radio-collared animals have moved out of the Highwood Valley and have
taken up residence elsewhere but ear tagged individuals are regularly observed during surveys.
Since the transplant, elk numbers appear to have declined and the 2008 count of 254, is down
from previous counts.
Little is known about the seasonal movements of the elk in this unit. Adjacent W U’s (i.e.
312 and 406) harbour large numbers of elk and movements between these units and WMU 404
highly likely that some elk move back and forth between WMU 404
and
le 5.
a
during winter months. Counts in unit 404 are relatively reliable. Tr
num
M
are poorly understood. It is
312 and 406. Since Table 2 summarizes elk counts by WMU, intra season movements can
influence interpretation of trends.
To more accurately examine trends in numbers for WMU 404, population counts can be
summarized by winter range regardless of which WMU the winter range falls within. The winter
ranges used are only those thought to be used by the “Highwood” elk population. This
population uses the following winter ranges: a) lower Highwood valley in the vicinity of the
Highwood Junction-WMU 404, b) Mist Creek-WMU 404, c) Gibraltar Mountain (a high alpine
winter range-WMU 406), and d) Marston/Wileman creeks (an area just east of the Highwood
valley-WMU 406). A comparison of elk numbers in each of the winter ranges and a total
estimate for the entire Highwood population is shown in Tab
Table 5. Summary of elk numbers in the Highwood elk herd, 1974-2008 Survey Date Feb. ‘74 Mar. ‘74 Feb. ‘75 Mar. ‘76 Jan. ‘77 Feb. ‘80 Feb. ‘82 Feb. ‘86
Highwood Valley (WMU 404) 72 60 135 258 52 339 239 150
Mist Creek (WMU404) 29 38 0 30 ns 81 31 52
Gibralter Mtn. (WMU406) 0 0 0 0 ns 0 0 0
Subtotal 101 98 135 288 52 420 270 202
Mar
btotal 368 191 253 273 351 291 184 241
Marston/Wileman Crk.(WMU406) 84 ns ns ns 51 113 74 61
Highwood Herd Total 452 191 253 273 402 404 258 302
3 289 189 269 336 375 ns
Mar on/Wileman Crk.(WMU406) 49 74 47 45 0 0 ns 46
ston/Wileman Crk.(WMU406) 6 0 54 46 29 106 171 118
Highwood Herd Total 107 98 189 334 81 526 441 320
Survey Date Mar. ‘87 Jan. ‘88 Feb. ‘88 Mar. ‘88 Feb. ‘89 Mar. ‘91 Jan. ‘93 Mar. ‘93
Highwood Valley (WMU 404) 274 148 216 236 293 229 130 146
Mist Creek (WMU404) 14 43 37 37 58 62 29 1
Gibralter Mtn. (WMU406) 80 0 0 0 0 0 25 94
Su
Survey Date Feb. ‘94 Jan. ‘96 Mar. ‘97 Jan. ‘98 Feb. ‘00 Jan. ‘02 Feb. ‘05 Jan. ‘08
Highwood Valley (WMU 404) 108 198 96 172 240 208 ns 200
Mist Creek (WMU404) 86 91 93 97 65 93 ns 49
Gibralter Mtn. (WMU406) 9 0 0 0 31 74 ns 0
Subtotal 20
st
Highwood Herd Total 252 363 236 314 336 375 ns 295
ns = not surveyed
WMU 406
This is a very difficult unit to reliably survey due to its large area, lack of well defined
wintering areas, and large forested areas, all of which contribute to a difficulty in finding elk on
a consistent basis. This tends to result in highly variable counts from one survey to the next
(Table 2). While survey counts are low relative to other units, this unit actually is believed to
have more elk than either 404 or 408. Tracks of numerous groups of elk are regularly observed
during surveys but these groups are not often observed. Large expanses of forest cover are the
primary reason for the unreliable counts. Based on the number of track groupings, estimates of
9
10
s of elk in WMU 406
are around 500 while actual counts are only around 200. In 2008, only 171 animals were
observed.
WMU 408
group size, and numbers of elk actually seen during the surveys, estimate
This unit has revealed a steady increase in elk numbers since the early 1980’s (Table 2). Part
of the increase can be attributed to the relocation of 115 elk between 1998 and 2001. These
animals are reflected in the higher counts of 2002 and 2005. During 2008, only 187 elk were
observed. Conditions were good during the survey so it is uncertain as to the reason for the
decrease from what was observed in 2005.
A high number of elk wintering in the Kananaskis Valley portion of WMU 408 reside on the
Kananaskis golf course, which they are unwelcome to use. Hunting permits for antlerless elk
have been increased over the last several years in an effort to reduce elk numbers and perhaps
the increased hunting effort has in fact succeeded in reducing numbers. In addition to increased
hunting opportunity, an aversive conditioning program and intercept feeding program have been
implemented. A closer look at elk distribution within WMU 408 around the Kananaskis Valley
and the golf course is shown in Table 6.
An increasing elk population in the Kananaskis Valley is clearly evident with numbers
maximizing out at 248 in 2005. Since 2005, numbers have declined by about 30% to only 174
ore, the number of elk observed on the golf course during recent surveys
were observed on the golf course in 2008. While
re 94 elk located just across the highway from
the golf course.
during 2008. Furtherm
has decreased significantly such that only 6
only 6 were observed on the golf course, there we
Table 6. Elk observations during aerial surveys in the Kananaskis Valley, 1978-2008
Aerial Number of elk in study area* (including golf course area) Number of elk on golf course area**survey y
1978ear Bulls Cows/calves Total Bulls Cows/calves Total
8 42 50 0 0 01980 17 70 87 0 0 01982 17 63 80 0 0 0
4 46 50 0 0 08 72 80 1 0 1
224 4 56 60b174 0 6 6c
Study area includes Kananaskis valley from Barrier south to Galatea, Wedge Mtn., upper Ribbon Crk., Marmot basin and Nakis*Golf course area includes Ribbon Crk. south to Galatea Crk.; west of Hwy 40; slopes to Mt. Kidd
198719891991 23 113 136 13 46 591993 28 101 129 6 46 521996 13 140 153 3 82 851998 31 102 133 4 46 502000 21 129 150 17 75 922002 20 192 212 9 150 1592004 12 139 151 6 95 1012005 11 237 248 0 21 21a2006 23 2012008 19 155
**a=155 additional elk were observed just east of Hwy 40 near Boundary ranchb=24 additional elk observed east of Hwy 40 in Boundary rancy areac=104 additional elk observed east of Hwy 40 in Boundary ranch area and near feeders
WMU 410
Elk numbers in WMU 410 had been declining slowly since 1993. In 2008, however,
numbers were up at 160 individuals. This was comparable to what was being observed during
the mid 1990’s (Table 2).
Bow Valley Provincial Park (BVPP)
Elk numbers in BVPP have decreased from just over 100 animals during 1993-1996 to
around 70 animals more recently. The Trans Canada Highway continues to be a significant
mortality source and likely contributes greatly to the decline. Several BVPP elk were harvested
in November 2003 by First Nations people from the Stoney Indian Reserve when the elk had
moved onto the adjacent reserve. Conservation Officers found a bull elk and 3 cows killed
ring the incident, but several additional elk may have been involved without our knowledge. du
11
Appendix 1. Checkpoint location and elk classification during the 2008 Calgary and Canmore winter elk surveys
Date WMU A U/C UTM CommentsBra Troph
Checkpt. Total Number Elk Spike
Bunch
lls ntlerlessy U/C C
57122
0 98
641
77
5218
149
331
34
ows es U/C Elk Northing Easting21-Jan-08 310 3 5582480 68413821-Jan-08 310 190 5584965 69388021-Jan-08 310 5581713 69233621-Jan-08 310 5578688 69521021-Jan-08 310 5574439 69587321-Jan-08 310 3 3 5577115 69296621-Jan-08 310 5573824 690892
Total: 324 6 13 0 190Bulls/100 antlerless: 2Trophy bulls/100 antlerless: 5
20-Jan-08 312 5663474 66283120-Jan-08 312 6 5653901 67194620-Jan-08 312 4 5653654 67217920-Jan-08 312 249 5661121 674574 Jumpingpound20-Jan-08 312 1 58 5635829 68710820-Jan-08 312 33 5637840 68914420-Jan-08 312 2 5633849 68639420-Jan-08 312 238 5611850 684497 Turner V. Ranch20-Jan-08 312 2 3 5608629 68149620-Jan-08 312 2 5604516 68346521-Jan-08 312 2 2 21 5604075 69949521-Jan-08 312 7 1 5604250 69928421-Jan-08 312 4 2 5601397 68037521-Jan-08 312 18 5597521 68170521-Jan-08 312 25 5596640 68062921-Jan-08 312 5595932 68059721-Jan-08 312 2 5595837 68104021-Jan-08 312 1 5595595 68168521-Jan-08 312 2 5595545 6783021-Feb-08 312 1 1 73 5663807 673680 Nth of TCH
Total: 979 4 24 0 44 164 512Bulls/100 antlerless: 3Trophy bulls/100 antlerless: 7
1-Feb-08 314 1 3 1 5717554 6661511-Feb-08 314 2 1 5729964 6703631-Feb-08 314 3 2 20 5723125 6710391-Feb-08 314 4 2 2 5693873 6712131-Feb-08 314 5 5 44 5691890 6747811-Feb-08 314 6 3 2 1 5691139 6748761-Feb-08 314 8 6 1 1 54 5680605 6662621-Feb-08 314 9 120 3 2 109 5678806 667141
Total: 9 4 0 0 227 0Bulls/100 antlerless: 1Trophy bulls/100 antlerless: 2
Calv
28
87 389 19090 191 792 83 393 39 794 1 1
111
35 5 440 14 442 17 445 24958 65 559 35 260 8 462 23863 9 464 878 75 879 19 1180 681 96 182 2583 584 485 20 186 210 79 4
52 31
6 2
0
1 7
0 46
293 192
1
14
6
159
1
2
12
13
Date WMU Checkpt. Total Bulls Antlerless U/C UTM CommentsNumber Elk Spike Branch Trophy U/C Cows Calves U/C Elk Northing Easting
21-Jan-08 404 100 31 2 25 4 5584362 66811321-Jan-08 404 101 13 13 5584853 66815721-Jan-08 404 102 12 1 10 1 5585593 66769421-Jan-08 404 103 28 2 1 1 19 5 5585479 66845221-Jan-08 404 104 5 2 3 5586115 66895721-Jan-08 404 108 3 3 5585146 66591021-Jan-08 404 109 22 22 5585396 66602121-Jan-08 404 110 33 5 28 5585627 665839 2 with Yel ear tags21-Jan-08 404 111 15 15 5585034 66609521-Jan-08 404 112 12 10 2 5585041 66683421-Jan-08 404 113 1 1 5581235 66498321-Jan-08 404 114 1 1 5581849 66693321-Jan-08 404 115 12 1 7 4 5588598 66251923-Jan-08 404 122 8 7 1 5601681 653540 Mist Ridge23-Jan-08 404 123 2 2 5602285 651921 Mist Ridge23-Jan-08 404 124 25 1 19 5 5603921 652359 Mist Ridge23-Jan-08 404 125 1 1 5605824 65021223-Jan-08 404 127 1 1 5599060 65512123-Jan-08 404 128 7 1 6 5600229 65443923-Jan-08 404 135 10 5 5 5582063 66856223-Jan-08 404 136 1 1 5580941 66952423-Jan-08 404 143 1 1 5591766 65949223-Jan-08 404 144 5 5 5599572 65172824-Jan-08 404 179 2 2 5625609 63163324-Jan-08 404 182 1 1 5627082 63051224-Jan-08 404 183 2 2 5626826 630625
Total: 254 9 11 19 5 114 18 28 50Bulls/100 antlerless: 28Trophy bulls/100 antlerless: 12
20-Jan-08 406 54 5 2 3 5621590 66387620-Jan-08 406 55 8 2 1 5 5619575 661527 Volcano21-Jan-08 406 66 4 4 5617420 65454721-Jan-08 406 68 35 8 1 23 3 5613806 667555 Sheep R.21-Jan-08 406 71 6 6 5609978 668602 Grn Mtn21-Jan-08 406 72 9 9 5610003 67118121-Jan-08 406 73 5 5 5610231 67069921-Jan-08 406 74 1 1 5611401 67225021-Jan-08 406 76 49 1 38 10 5611507 67644221-Jan-08 406 95 4 1 3 5588147 67337521-Jan-08 406 96 2 1 1 5588525 67458021-Jan-08 406 99 40 2 3 2 31 2 5586472 67359123-Jan-08 406 154 3 1 2 5613057 647703
Total: 171 12 11 17 0 101 15 0 15Bulls/100 antlerless: 34Trophy bulls/100 antlerless: 15
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Date WMU Checkpt. Total Bulls Antlerless U/C UTM CommentsNumber Elk Spike Branch Trophy U/C Cows Calves U/C Elk Northing Easting
18-Jan-08 408 26 3 3 5653396 621088 Wind Ridge18-Jan-08 408 28 4 4 5652244 619312 Wind Ridge24-Jan-08 408 179 2 2 5625609 63163324-Jan-08 408 182 1 1 5627082 63051224-Jan-08 408 183 2 2 5626826 63062524-Jan-08 408 192 35 1 25 9 5634137 632434 wedge Mtn24-Jan-08 408 193 8 1 7 5633773 63215924-Jan-08 408 196 6 5 1 5639447 63070224-Jan-08 408 197 10 9 1 5641425 63130424-Jan-08 408 198 3 3 5640402 63162124-Jan-08 408 199 27 24 3 5639113 63127024-Jan-08 408 200 44 4 39 1 5639055 631782 Evan Thomas feeder24-Jan-08 408 201 10 10 5643160 63231424-Jan-08 408 202 2 2 5644323 63111924-Jan-08 408 203 2 2 5644799 63102024-Jan-08 408 204 2 1 1 5649179 63286224-Jan-08 408 206 13 4 1 8 5643625 627050 Mt Allan24-Jan-08 408 207 3 3 5643973 626150 Mt Allan24-Jan-08 408 218 7 2 5 5632759 632637 Wedge24-Jan-08 408 219 3 3 5633026 633321 Wedge
Total: 187 11 9 9 0 133 15 0 10Bulls/100 antlerless: 20Trophy bulls/100 antlerless: 6
18-Jan-08 410 4 12 12 5662048 61720818-Jan-08 410 6 2 2 5662097 61651318-Jan-08 410 11 2 2 5661742 61592518-Jan-08 410 12 12 12 5666389 61185518-Jan-08 410 14 1 1 5664631 61539718-Jan-08 410 15 1 1 5665303 61123318-Jan-08 410 16 54 54 5659844 61572718-Jan-08 410 17 2 2 5658185 61647018-Jan-08 410 18 34 34 5655855 61890918-Jan-08 410 19 2 2 5656401 61901118-Jan-08 410 22 8 8 5656590 62111218-Jan-08 410 30 30 9 15 6 5652594 626468 Pigeon Mtn
Total: 160 0 9 15 12 16 0 0 108Bulls/100 antlerless: 225Trophy bulls/100 antlerless: 94
24-Jan-08 PLPP 175 4 4 5624184 63247124-Jan-08 PLPP 176 2 2 5624111 633235
18-Jan-08 BVPP 23 67 67 5659879 634992
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Appendix 2. Showing elk observation locations by WMU (incl. observations bordering WMU) during 2008 winter surveys
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