Population Ecology of Summer Resident Elk in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Martinka CJ. 1969. Population Ecology of Summer Resident Elk in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 33(3):465-481
The locations of elk in Jackson Hole indicated two major and two minor resident population segments. During 302 trips, 42,237 observations of elk were recorded. The distribution, population status, social habits, movements, and habitat relationships of the nonmigratory elk were studied. Yearling males and, to a lesser extent, yearling females were disproportionately abundant in the herd. Five seasonal periods of elk social habits were recognized: June 1-15, calving; June 16-August 15, aggregation; August 16-September 15, dispersal; September 16-October 15, breeding; October 16-31, reaggregation. Movements were analyzed from 1,240 relocations of 383 marked elk. The yearling males showed the most extensive movements during early summer. The movements of females with calves and yearling females increased in late summer while those of yearling males decreased. Fall movements suggested that hunting may have been effective in restraining resident elk within, or influencing movements to, areas closed to hunting. Sagebrush/bunchgrass was the most important food during all months of the study. Food habits were studied from 24,450 instances of plant use at 172 feeding stations. Forbs averaged 65%, grasses and grass-like plants 26%, and browse 9%.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Martinka, C
- Units
- GLAC , GRTE
- Keywords
- Age, breeding-mating, Cervus canadensis (Elk Wapiti), Feeding Behavior, Habitat, Hunting, Migration, Movement Patterns, Plants, Population Density, Population Distribution, Social Behavior