The 2024 Michigan elk season concluded with mixed results, as hunters faced heat challenges in early hunts and better success in snowy December conditions.
Challenging Weather Affects Early Elk Hunt Success
The 2024 Michigan elk hunting season wrapped up with contrasting outcomes between the two hunt periods. While Hunt Period 1 saw lower-than-average success due to unseasonably high temperatures, Hunt Period 2 benefited from snowfall and cooler conditions, leading to higher harvest rates.
Hunt Period 1, which ran from late August through September, issued 100 licenses. Hunters faced daily highs above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing elk movement and prompting some hunters to skip the hunt due to concerns about meat spoilage and the heat.
“High temperatures during this period had a significant impact on both elk behavior and hunter participation,” said Angela Kujawa, a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This period saw a success rate of 59%, well below the 74% average recorded since 2007. Hunters harvested 24 bull elk and 35 antlerless elk, including two calves.
The early Michigan elk season hunt is designed to manage elk living outside the primary elk management area, centered in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Despite the challenges, it remains a critical tool in population control.
Snowfall Boosts Late-Season Elk Hunt Outcomes
In stark contrast, Hunt Period 2, held in December, delivered results more in line with historical trends. A total of 160 licenses were issued—50 any-elk and 110 antlerless licenses. Hunters harvested 46 bulls and 75 antlerless elk, including eight calves, achieving a 75% success rate. This figure aligns closely with the five-year average of 79%.
“Snowfall during the December hunt provided much-needed assistance to hunters, allowing for improved tracking conditions and a successful conclusion to the season,” Kujawa said.
The fresh snow, which blanketed the region for the hunt’s first few days, made locating and tracking elk more manageable. This period focuses on regulating the overall elk population across the designated management unit, ensuring sustainability for future seasons.
Total Elk Harvest and Conservation Efforts
Across both periods, hunters harvested 180 elk during the 2024 season. This includes participants in the Pure Michigan Hunt, a program offering an exclusive hunting package to one winner annually.
The DNR emphasizes the importance of the elk season in maintaining a healthy and balanced population. Hunters play a critical role in helping manage the species, ensuring that elk numbers remain consistent with habitat capacity and ecological goals.
To learn more about elk management, hunting regulations, and viewing opportunities, visit Michigan.gov/Elk.
Elk Hunting Lottery System Explained
Selecting hunters for an elk hunting license is like choosing contestants for a game show through a lottery system; the rules are outlined in a guidebook, and successful entrants receive an invitation packet shortly after the selection announcement. This video explains how it works.
Atlanta, Michigan: The Elk Capital of Michigan
Nestled in Montmorency County in northern Michigan, Atlanta proudly carries the title of the “Elk Capital of Michigan.“ Known for its rich wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities, this small town is a hub for elk enthusiasts and hunters alike, offering unparalleled access to one of Michigan’s most iconic species.
Why Atlanta is the Elk Capital
Atlanta is situated near the Pigeon River Country State Forest, home to one of the largest free-ranging elk herds east of the Mississippi River. Michigan’s elk population, which was nearly extinct in the early 1900s, has rebounded thanks to decades of careful wildlife management by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The elk herd now thrives, making Atlanta a focal point for conservation efforts and tourism.
Every year, visitors flock to Atlanta to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The area provides excellent elk viewing opportunities, particularly in fall during the rutting season when males bugle to attract mates—a unique and unforgettable experience.
Attractions and Activities
- Elk Viewing Areas – Atlanta is surrounded by designated elk viewing areas, with guides and maps available for visitors. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is a prime location, offering trails and scenic drives to observe elk in the wild.
- Annual Elk Festival – Atlanta hosts the Elk Festival each September, celebrating the town’s elk heritage. The event features live music, food vendors, parades, and educational exhibits on elk and local wildlife.
- Hunting Hub – Atlanta is a hotspot for elk hunters during Michigan’s annual elk hunting season. The town serves as a base for hunters seeking to participate in the regulated hunt aimed at maintaining a sustainable elk population.
- Outdoor Recreation – In addition to elk viewing, Atlanta offers abundant opportunities for hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling. The nearby forests and lakes make it a paradise for nature lovers year-round.
A Legacy of Conservation
The designation “Elk Capital of Michigan” underscores Atlanta’s role in the state’s elk conservation story. The successful reintroduction of elk in Michigan began in 1918, when seven animals were released near this region. Today, the population is carefully managed, balancing ecological needs with public enjoyment through programs like the annual hunt and community outreach.
Visiting Atlanta
Atlanta’s charm lies in its small-town atmosphere and connection to nature. Whether you’re a hunter, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene getaway, this town offers a unique experience centered around Michigan’s elk heritage.
For more information on elk viewing, events, or hunting in the Atlanta area, visit the Michigan DNR website or the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
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