Believe it or not: This state has elk

Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Aerial surveys conducted in February on Minnesota’s two elk herds indicate that population numbers are on the rise. Elk numbers in the Grygla heard totaled 55 and the Kittson County herd, which roams back and forth from Manitoba, reflected 60 animals. That was the most ever counted on the Minnesota side.

GRYGLA — When you think of elk and places to hunt them, most thoughts turn to states such as Colorado, Montana, Idaho or New Mexico.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR Another aerial elk photo.

Each is rich with robust elk populations that annually attract thousands of hunters from across the country.

There’s a long history of elk populations in MInnesota, once covering two-thirds of the state, but they now reside in only two areas of northern Minnesota. Many Minnesotans aren’t aware that elk herds still exist in the state and they might be even more surprised that we have a hunting season for them.

Minnesota, on the other hand, isn’t known as a premier elk hunting state. In fact, many Minnesotans don’t even know wild elk exist here.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR

They do, and the state has a hunting season for them.

There’s a long history of elk populations in Minnesota dating back more than 200 years. The current herd has shown an upward population trend in recent years, according to Department of Natural Resources officials.