Private Land Youth Antlerless Elk LEH
Last updated on March 25, 2024The public is invited to comment on the proposed hunting regulation described below.
Status: Proposed
Region: 4
Management unit (MU): 4-3, 4-22
Regulation type: Limited Entry Hunting
Species: Elk
Closing date: 16:30, March 22, 2024
Decision statement: Pending
Current regulation
Currently there is no private land youth only Elk LEH seasons in MU 4-3 or 4-22.
Proposed regulation
Implement a Sept 10-25 youth only antlerless elk LEH on private land within portions of M.U.s 4-3 and 4-22.
Rationale
The 2023 East Kootenay Trench elk inventory estimated a population of 9500 elk between Invermere and the US border, which represents a 45% increase in abundance over 5-years. The highest densities of elk occurred along the Kootenay River, south of Cranbrook where most elk are non-migratory. These elk occupy agricultural and private land year round and are are contributing to increasing forage losses. Although the elk population is within management objectives (8,500 – 11,300), implementation of a private land LEH would provide relief to private landowners who are experiencing elk conflict, while creating a new opportunity for youth hunters. The proposed LEH season is September 10-25, collar data suggests that this timing would limit harvest to the non-migratory segment of the population, as migratory elk come down to these winter ranges in October.
Additional information