In 1999, we estimated the elk population to be at 963 elk in the unit. After this year's count, we estimate the population to be 1,537 elk. That is a significant increase, and puts elk numbers in Unit 48 well above our objective.

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We start feeding after considering several factors. Snow depth, temperature, elk body condition and elk numbers are monitored by our local conservation officer, Greg Wooten.

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Fred is taking on more of the backcountry duties for us. He has been trained to do necropsy (autopsy of animals) on dead elk to determine how they died and their physical condition.

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