The Film
Elk calf:cow ratios are declining in the Bitterroot National Forest and elsewhere throughout their range. Elk calf:cow ratios are currently at unsustainable levels in many areas of the Northern Rocky Mountains.
Based on 2005 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Economic study, big game hunting accounts for $11.3 million annually to the Bitterroot Valley, Montana economy. Hunter numbers were down 36% at the Darby Check Station in 2010 resulting in a potential revenue loss to the Bitterroot Valley of $4 million. Extrapolate those numbers over three states that are experiencing similar elk declines and the cost to those economies is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Bitterroot Elk Study was designed to find the cause/causes of the reduced calf:cow ratios and address the causative issue/issues before it is too late.
Elk Survival & Recruitment Study in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana
Elk calf:cow ratios have been in decline throughout the Bitterroot Valley since 2004. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) recorded a valley-wide historic low in elk calf recruitment in 2009. Steady declines in the West Fork find that herd population 63% below objective and report recruitment rates of only 11 calves per 100 cows. The purpose of this project is to evaluate factors affecting elk survival and recruitment.
Project Objectives:
Potential causes of elk population declines and reduced recruitment may include poor body condition in adult cow elk, reduced pregnancy rates, or increases in calf predation by black bears, lions, or wolves. MFWP will investigate effects of nutrition, body condition, and predation on elk productivity, survival, and recruitment.
MFWP will develop a comparative study between the East Fork and West Fork elk herds. The East Fork area is a relatively more open habitat where agricultural activity has limited the number of wolves.
The West Fork area is primarily forested habitat and the lack of agricultural activity and proximity to Idaho wilderness areas results in a higher density of wolves. MFWP has captured and radio-collared 44 adult female elk in February 2011. Body condition and pregnancy rates of captured animals have been evaluated. Radio-location data will provide information regarding movement patterns of elk, location of calving areas, and interchange with adjacent herds. Beginning in spring 2011, MFWP plans to capture and radio-collar 60 elk calves and monitor calf survival for 1 year. Daily flights will be conducted to monitor calf survival and mortality will be investigated to determine cause of death. Also, MFWP will capture and radio-collar wolves in the West Fork area with the intent of targeting packs that are presently unmarked.
Additionally, there is growing concern regarding the increase of elk wintering in the lower valley. Elk are showing up in a number of places where they have not seen since the settlement of the west. Elk may be moving into historical places as a means to escape predation. They are moving and living around residential areas. Most of these are small properties. The herd around Ambrose Creek Rd is causing some real concern.
Elk In Peril Documentary
Bitterroot Beagle Productions will film all aspects of this vital study from the beginning to the conclusion. We will conduct interviews with the key players including biologists and politicians. We will also interview people throughout the Bitterroot Valley and surrounding counties and states who stand to be affected by declining elk numbers.
We will examine everything from development of critical habitat to wolf reintroduction. We will be asking tough questions. And you can follow along, step by step, through the making of this important film.
