Commission directs 60‑day public comment on draft elk action plan with 6,000–9,000 objective range

The Game, Fish and Parks Commission directed staff to revise and reissue the draft elk action plan for 60 days of public comment with a recommended population objective range of 6,000–9,000, with an interim management goal of 7,800.

John K, terrestrial section chief, summarized the proposed changes: remove a previously used hard 75% success threshold for "any" licenses and instead emphasize demographic metrics (the plan will place more weight on the average age of bulls, aiming for at least 60% of bulls to be four years old or older); and shift the allocation of "any elk" archery licenses from 25% to 30% (rifle 70%) to better reflect applicant demand. John K told commissioners the department received more than 200 public comments following January outreach, with roughly 80% supporting an increased population objective.

Commissioners questioned risks. Commissioner Whitmer asked about the downside of increasing objectives; staff said habitat conditions and depredation concerns will be monitored and that the department can bring the population down quickly if needed by issuing more licenses in targeted units. Staff said they'd focus any increases on public‑land units where private‑land depredation impacts are minimal.

Commissioner Bartley moved to advance the draft with the 6,000–9,000 population objective for a 60‑day public comment period; Commissioner Nyberg seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. Staff said they will return to the commission at the May meeting with an evaluation of comments and recommended next steps.