Elk population management

Elk population management. (1) Elk population objectives. An elk population objective shall be established for each management zone except for tribal reservation units identified in s. NR 10.37 . Elk population objectives will be expressed as a goal statement to do one of the following: (a) Increase the elk population. (b) Maintain the current elk population. (c) Decrease the elk population. (2) Annual elk harvest quotas. The department shall establish a statewide elk harvest quota and allocate such quota among the elk management zones and elk hunting units, based on the status of elk populations in relation to management objectives as outlined in a species management plan. The species management plan will identify metrics, objectives, and guidelines that the department will use to establish a quota. These metrics may include: (a) Population estimates and trends. (b) Elk-related conflict levels and trends. (c) The projected impacts of elk harvest quotas on the elk population. (d) Outcomes of previous harvest seasons. (e) The economic benefits of non-consumptive elk recreation. (3) Elk licenses. (a) Purpose. The department may issue antlerless and bull elk licenses in numbers and in a manner consistent with the elk population objectives for each zone and unit under sub. (2) . Except where no previous history of success rates exists, the department shall consider the hunter success rates from previous seasons to determine the number of elk licenses to be issued to harvest the desired number of elk for each elk management zone and unit. (b) License issuance. The department shall issue only one elk carcass tag per elk license issued. Carcass tags shall be valid for either an antlerless or an antlered elk. (c) License requirements. The department shall issue elk hunting licenses only to those persons who have completed a hunter education program and earned a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.595 , Stats., and have obtained authorization for either a bull tag or antlerless elk tag, or are otherwise exempt. Successful applicants will be limited to one elk license per lifetime as established in s. 29.182 (4m) , Stats. The department may reissue an elk license if the license is returned or if the applicant fails to or cannot comply with s. 29.182 ., Stats., and the requirements of this section. The department shall select eligible licensees by random drawing. (4) Application procedure. Applications for elk licenses shall be on forms provided by the department. Applications shall be submitted online no later than the deadline date indicated on the form or received by a department service center location no later than that date to be considered for selection.