2012 ONTARIO ELK RESEARCH AND MONITORING UPDATE

Transcription

1 ONTARIO ELK RESEARCH AND MONITORING UPDATE April 25, 2012 Synopsis The following are updates from the elk research and monitoring leads in the four elk release areas of Ontario 1) Bancroft/North Hastings 2) Nipissing/French River 3) Lake of the Woods 4) Lake Huron/North Shore. Late winter (Feb/Mar 2012) elk population estimates for the four release areas are (core elk range only): 1. Bancroft/North Hastings 293 to 476 elk 2. Nipissing/French River 165 to 195 elk 3. Lake of the Woods - 35 to 45 elk 4. Lake Huron/North Shore 155 to 200 elk. A very conservative estimate of the provincial elk population is that during February/March 2012, there were about 648 to 916 elk in the core elk ranges in Ontario. 1) Bancroft/North Hastings elk research program update Dr. Rick Rosatte, MNR, Wildlife Research & Development Section (WRDS), Trent University, DNA Building, Peterborough, Ontario, phone , rick.rosatte@ontario.ca To estimate the elk population size in the Bancroft/North Hastings core elk range (a 2,500 km 2 area), two aerial surveys targeting elk were flown during the winter of 2011/12. The first survey was conducted during January 24-26, 2012, using an EC 130 helicopter. The crew included pilot Gord Bain (MNR Aviation services), Mike Allan (MNR Wildlife Research and Development Section (WRDS)), Colin Higgins and Steve

2 2 Lawrence (Bancroft District MNR). A total of 162 different elk were observed. Using a modified Petersen population estimation model, the estimated number of elk (mean) in the survey area at that time was 374 ( ) (95% Confidence Interval (CI)). Following the first survey (February14/15, 2012), 31 elk (6 bulls, 25 cows) were captured and fitted with radio-collars (via net gun and helicopter as well as by darting on the ground) in the Bancroft core elk area. The second Bancroft area elk survey using an EC 130 helicopter was conducted on February 29, March 1 & 5, The crew included MNR pilot Gord Bain, navigator Mike Allan (MNR WRDS) and observers Rick Rosatte (MNR WRDS) Colin Higgins and Erin Macdonald (Bancroft district MNR). A total of 173 different elk were observed (as determined by viewing digital photos taken during the flight) in the approximate 2500 km 2 area from New Carlow south to Queensborough (as far east as 10 km south of Kaladar). That included 113 cows, 19 bulls, and 41 calves. Of those elk, 52 were observed to have radio collars. Thirty-six percent (41/113) of the cows were accompanied by calves born during the previous year. The bull to cow ratio acquired from the survey data was 17:100. This low bull to cow ratio (20:100 is ideal to maintain maximum productivity) may be partly due to the fact that 19 prime bulls were removed from the area during Eleven of those were shot during the September 2011 harvest, three during the Algonquins of Ontario harvest which went from September 1, 2011 to January 15, 2012, and five bulls via agricultural authorizations. The lower bull:cow ratio may also be a result of dispersion of bulls from the core elk area and the fact that some bulls form small bachelor groups during the winter and may not have been observed during the survey.

3 3 Using a modified Petersen population estimation model and the February 29- March 1, 2012 survey data, the estimated number of elk (mean) in the Bancroft core elk area during early March 2012 was 358 ( ) (95% CI). It is important to remember that this is a pre-calving estimate. The estimate is lower that the 2011 estimate (mean = 473) for the core elk area. This could be due to a variety of factors including: 1. management tools implemented to meet population objectives and potentially increase dispersion in part of the core range ( i.e. the 2011 elk harvest) and to manage elk-human conflicts (i.e. kill/harass authorizations for agricultural damage) (see details below); 2. elk dispersing from the core area into eastern Ontario as optimal elk group size may have been achieved (there have been many elk sightings during the last few years especially in the Ottawa, Pembroke, Kemptville, and Kingston areas); 3. predation due to bears, wolves/coyotes, and/or 4. the impact of other mortality factors including meningeal worm, winter kill, roadkills, and poaching. It may also be a function of the violation of the population estimator assumptions such as closed populations, no immigration/emigration of elk etc. We realize population estimator models are not perfect, but currently, they are the most reliable methods available to us to estimate elk population size. The Lingham Lake/Queensboro elk group is doing well with 65 elk being observed during the March 2012 survey (Figure 1). This is a substantial increase over the number (44) of elk observed during the 2011 survey. The Mephisto/Limerick Lake elk group also increased with respect to animals observed during 2012 (19-22 elk observed

4 4 during 2012 vs 16 in 2011). There was no significant harvest in either of these two groups (5 elk 4 bulls, 1 cow, MNR Elk Resource report: Bancroft North-Hastings area, November, 2011). In 2011, a decrease in population was necessary to meet the population objective for the New Carlow area. The conflict occurring between elk and the agricultural community in this area was a consideration in setting a lower objective. There was a decrease in the number of elk observed (17-23 during two surveys) in the New Carlow/Boulter area during the 2012 survey compared to 2011 (30 elk). This is not surprising due to the harvest during September 2011 (7 elk 5 cows 2 bulls were harvested from this area) (MNR Elk Resource report: Bancroft North-Hastings area, November 2011), and the aboriginal hunt during September 2011 and January 15, 2012 (Algonquin hunters harvested 6 elk 3 bulls and 3 cows). In addition, nuisance elk were also removed via agricultural permits from this area (4 bull elk). The fewer elk observed during the survey may also be due to the fact that hunting pressure and management tools implemented to lessen elk/human interactions fragmented the main social group into a number of smaller groups (confirmed by collared elk locations) which are much more difficult to locate during aerial surveys due to heavy cover in some areas. The Hartsmere elk group appeared to be decreasing with 47 and 44 elk being observed during the two 2012 surveys (compared to 53 in 2011). However, this may be due to the fact that winter feeding by residents is occurring throughout this area, and part of the social group has moved to the Wannamaker Lake/Mayo Lake Road area (based on GPS collared elk movements). The Turiff elk social group decreased in size based on the elk observed (elk observed = 19-20) during March 2012 compared to the 2011 survey

5 5 (27 elk observed). However, it is known {based on observations (about 40 elk) and a photo of the Turriff elk group taken by a resident}that less than half of the Turriff elk social group were observed during the 2012 survey.. The social group of elk (13) that existed in 2011 along the hydro corridor about 7 km southwest of Kaladar could not be located during the March 1, 2012 survey. However, 11 elk (5 prime bulls, 2 spike bulls, 2 cows, 2 calves- Colin Higgins personal communication) were observed in this area during a deer survey on March 7, These elk were not included in the population estimate as they were not part of the elk survey however, if they were included it would only have marginally increased the population estimate {380 ( )}. No elk were observed in the Madoc area during the 2012 survey. It should be noted that an increase or decrease in the number of elk observed annually does not necessarily equate to a population increase or decrease as the key determining factor in the population estimator model is the number of collared animals observed during the survey. During 2011, elk were reported in many areas outside of the Bancroft area core elk zone from the Ottawa valley to Kingston to Bobcaygeon. These areas were not flown during the survey due to insufficient funding. In addition, there are no functioning radiocollars in these areas and the elk would have been virtually impossible to locate. Elk numbers outside of the Bancroft core elk zone are important with respect to the number of elk tags allocated for the harvest during The Bancroft core elk area consists of a 2,500 km 2 area from New Carlow in the north to Hwy 7 in the south. We estimate (precalving estimate) that during March 2012 there were approximately (round numbers) 300

6 6 to 500 elk (95% CI) in the 2,500 km 2 core elk area. The harvest area for 2012 is an approximate 8,500 km 2 area that includes the Bancroft core elk zone. Based on elk sightings and photographs of elk reported by the public, as well as MNR staff, there are conservatively 400 to 600 elk in the 8,500 km 2 harvest area. Information on the elk population size and dispersion in southern Ontario outside of the Bancroft area core elk zone would be important when considering expansion of hunting to other areas of southern Ontario in future years. Figure 1. A sub-unit of the Lingham Lake/Queensborough elk social group displaying follow the leader behaviour to conserve energy when walking through snow. (Photo by Rick Rosatte)

7 7 Six Northstar RASSL GPS/Satellite collars were deployed on bull elk (by Bighorn Helicopters) in the Lingham Lake area on February 14, 2012 as part of a collaborative research program. The partners in the collaboration included: MNR, the Quinte Elk Restoration Committee, and Ottawa and Ontario chapters of the Safari Club International. Thirty VHF collars (provided by Bancroft MNR District) were also deployed on cow elk in the Bancroft/North Hastings area by Bighorn Helicopters, MNR Aviation Services, and by darting on the ground by MNR Wildlife Research and Development Section and MNR District staff. Figure 2. Photo of a 14 year old bull elk (released at Hartsmere in 2001) now residing SW of Kaladar (Photo by Colin Higgins).

8 8 Thanks to the many people and organizations who assisted with the program, either financially or in the field, including: collaborators the Quinte Elk Restoration Committee (especially Jack Caddick and Doug Howell); Safari Club International, Ottawa chapter, especially Len Dickinson, and the Ontario Chapter especially Jason St. Michael; MNR Aviation Services (especially Gord Bain and the capture and survey crews), Bighorn Helicopters (Clay Wilson), MNR Bancroft District (Vince Ewing, Bruce Mighton, Peter Mabee, Erin Macdonald, Colin Higgins, and Steve Lawrence) and MNR Peterborough District staff (Karen Bellamy, Paul Kehoe, and Lorraine Norris), and especially Mike Allan of the MNR Wildlife Research & Development Section. 2) Nipissing/French River elk research program update Dr. Josef Hamr, Cambrian College, Sudbury, Ontario Research/Fieldwork Coordinator, Sudbury Elk Restoration Committee Mortality From spring 2011 to spring 2012, eleven mortalities were ascertained in the Burwash/French River elk population. These included a pregnant cow killed by a CN train in March 2011, an adult bull killed by a vehicle on the Killarney highway in May 2011 (a tagged escapee from an elk farm, most likely in Monetville, about 60 km away), a prime adult bull killed by a transport truck on HWY69 north of Nelson Rd., three collared adult cows killed by wolves (June and November 2011, February 2012), a pregnant cow killed by a transport truck on HWY69 at Burwash in January 2012, as well as two adult cows and two young bulls killed by CN trains in December 2011 and

9 9 January/February 2012 respectively. Also, an active radio-collar was discovered hanging in a pine tree with no elk remains found around the site. Rut Rutting activity was observed at Burwash from September 3 to 20, 2011, with several mature bulls competing for harems of adult cows and calves. Winter Activity on HWY 69 From January to March 2012, elk tracks, beds and signs of foraging activity were repeatedly observed along the new 4-lane section of HWY 69, between Trout Lake and Makynen Roads (Estaire-Wanup). Most intensive activity and several elk sightings were recorded on both sides of the highway, between Trout Lake Road and Estaire Road (old HWY69). Another activity locus and repeated highway crossings were noticed approximately 1 km south of Makynen Road. January aerial survey confirmed at least three adult bulls frequenting this site. On one occasion in January 2012, a large herd of at least 20 elk wandered back and forth between the wildlife fencing erected by the MTO along both sides of the new highway at the Burwash flats. This resulted in a vehicle collision and the mortality of one pregnant cow (see above). Population Surveys Mild winter weather and poor snow conditions delayed the early winter population/calf survey until January 22, In spite of only moderate visibility and no previous snowfall, the survey crew spotted 84 elk, including 55 cows, 15 calves, and 14 spiker or mature bulls, during five hours of flying. Only 5 elk (including 2 calves) were spotted close to Georgian Bay. Even though several elk track concentrations were found in the Allen Lake/Hartley Bay area, no animals were located visually. A satellite herd of

10 10 14 animals (2 calves) was located at Raft Lake, just south of Sudbury. Another group of at least 5 elk was located at Horseshoe Lake. The late winter elk population/calf survival census was conducted on March 16, 2012, with practically no snow on the ground. The elk population was very scattered and although the weather was clear, the survey crew encountered great difficulty in spotting animals. The effort was abandoned after the confirmation that all six newly fitted GPS radio-collars were still on animals. Northern satellite herds (Raft Lake, Horseshoe Lake) were not accessed. The survey crew spotted over 60 elk (10-12 calves, 6-7 bulls and over 40 cows) in the Burwash/French River sphere in less than 3 hours of flying. This implied a spring calf/cow (yearling and adult) proportion of about 25%. An incidental observation and pictures provided by a member of the public in March 2012 confirmed the existence of another small satellite elk herd between Nairn Centre and Fairbanks Lake, west of Sudbury. This group included a spiker bull and an evidently pregnant, collared cow (transmitter no longer active). A report to the MNR of a HWY17 non-fatal elk-vehicle collision in that area in March 2011 supports this observation. Taking into account the core Burwash population and several known satellite subgroups, the 2012 pre-calving estimate for the whole elk metapopulation sphere is 180 (+15) animals. Radio-collaring Bighorn Helicopters capture crew net-gunned 19 elk in the Burwash/French River sphere on February 16 and 17, Six adult Burwash cows were fitted with new, iridium GPS collars. These collars send hourly location coordinates via satellite to an e-

11 11 mail account. The crew also fitted two expandable VHF collars on young bulls (1 and 2 year old) at Burwash and targeted several satellite groups for the fitting of 11 more VHF collars. At least two collars were fitted on cows at Horseshoe Lake, Sled Lake, Hartley Bay and Georgian Bay, respectively. The existence of several satellite herds or subpopulations is now apparent within the Burwash/French River elk metapopulation and having collared animals in as many of these groups as possible will help to keep track of future population dynamics. Current Research Construction of the wildlife overpass and underpass, north of the HWY637/HWY69 interchange is now complete. Topsoil has been placed on the overpass, to be followed by the planting of shrubs and trees. A study of the effectiveness of the crossing structures, wildlife fencing/one-way escape gates and wildlife activity along the newly completed highway is being conducted for the MTO by Eco-kare International, Peterborough ( The highway section including the crossing structures is scheduled to become functional in the fall The M.Sc. study by Michelle Martin assessing post-release acclimatization by introduced elk and home range and habitat use alterations by the Burwash elk in response to the construction activities associated with the 4-laning of HWY69 was completed in September Copies of the thesis are available from the Biology Department at Laurentian University. A new study of Elk Post-Restoration Habitat Use and Population Distribution using data from both the newly and previously collared animals was initiated in January The M.Sc. candidate is David McGeachy of Sudbury.

12 12 Elk herd at Burwash (Photo: Gayle Plimpton) 3) Lake of the Woods elk research program update Bruce Ranta, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Kenora, Ontario Elk management in Lake of the Woods area continues to receive support from the local elk committee created at the time of restoration. During 2011/12, the committee was comprised of members from MNR (including the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research; CNFER); Rocky Mountain Elk Restoration Incorporated of Thunder Bay (RMER, Inc), the Northwestern Ontario Elk Restoration Coalition (NOERC), and Lakehead University. The main research and monitoring objectives for the year were to (1) monitor the radio-collared elk on a regular basis to determine movements and survival; (2) continue with photo surveillance of elk in the Cameron Lake area and use photographs to help with determining the size and status of the populations; (3) conduct

13 13 the annual aerial calf survey; and, (4) try to arrange a period to trap elk and fit them with a radio-collar. Monitoring of Radio-Collared Elk For the most part, Adam Moreira, MSc student at Lakehead University, did the monitoring of the seven radio-collared elk in the Cameron Lake area, with occasional assistance from Bruce Ranta. When possible, Adam monitored bi-weekly. No mortalities were recorded during the year. A couple of unsuccessful attempts were made to locate and monitor the radio-collared elk near Big Grassy First Nation on Lake of the Woods (LOW). Photo-Surveillance Remote cameras were employed in the field by MNR and NOERC working collaboratively (Bruce Ranta and Murray English). Hundreds of images were obtained and many different elk were captured digitally (as well as numerous other animals, including wolves, bears, foxes, moose and deer). Images were catalogued at CNFER. 1. Most of the photos taken came from the periods August 31 to September 14, 2011; and then from September 14 to September 28, During these two periods, the cameras were in the Stanbury Road vicinity all elk photos were taken from two locations; the third did not capture any elk. 2. After the September 28, 2011, the cameras were re-located off the Isinglass Road network, and were in use from November 2 to November 16, Only one camera photographed one elk. Our examination of the photos provided the following minimum count of elk in the Cameron Lake Rd/Stanbury Rd/Isinglass Rd area (the core range):

14 14 Uncollared animals: 8 bulls, 3 calves, 1 yearling cow. We know we had 7 collared cows and bulls (4 cows and 3 bulls) in the core area, for a total minimum county of 19 animals. We photographed only one elk in the Isinglass area (a large 7X7 bull). Our radiotracking during the time we had our cameras set did not indicate the cow from Isinglass (which was tracked there) moved to the Stanbury Road area. Tracks observed on the Isinglass Rd suggested at least three animals present, one of which was a calf. As such, this would put our minimum estimate for the entire core area at 20 elk going into the winter (the collared cow and the photographed bull in Isinglass are already accounted for in the tally of 19). Of note, in our photos was an elk cow that appeared to have twin calves, judging by how many times photos were taken of the two calves acting like twins (see photo).

15 15 Based on the photographic evidence and on-the-ground observations, we estimate that the number of elk in the core areas remains in the animal range we have been reporting over the past couple of years. Annual Aerial Calf Survey The annual aerial calf survey was initially not funded, but funding became available for the last week of March. Unfortunately, weather conditions were poor, and other priorities bumped the elk flight when weather was suitable; the survey was not conducted. Elk Capture and Collaring Personnel certified to use the required immobilizing drugs on captured elk so that a radio-collar could be fitted, were not available during the critical late August/September trapping period. As a result, no traps were set, no elk were captured and no radio-collars deployed. Other Items of Interest As in past years, a number of elk sightings were recorded during the year outside the core elk area east of Nestor Falls. One group of four elk (2 bulls and 2 cows) that in stayed most of the winter near a farm north of Fort Frances returned, except for the large adult bull with the ear tag. We had earlier ascertained this bull was #449, a one year old bull in 2001 when released at Cameron Lake. Further to the east (east of the above farm), Bruce and Murray identified tracks of three elk, which looked like a bull, and cow and calf, in the early summer. Discussions with farmers in the immediate vicinity confirmed the presence of elk (including a cow with a calf). Still further east, in the Taylor Bay area near LOW, an individual sent us photos of a cow elk with a collar

16 16 and an ear tag. This could be the collared cow we know exists in that area, but have been unable to locate. There were other reports provided to us in 2011 (but from 2010 and earlier) of elk in this general area (i.e., the northern farm/forest fringe in the Fort Frances District). Other elk sightings from outside the core elk range were also reported during Sightings that were assessed as reliable and likely include a cow from the Cedar Narrows Road (20+ km east of the core area) and a spike bull north of Vermilion Bay (70+ km north of the core area, close to where another elk sighting was reported the year before). All in all, the total elk population in the broader LOW area is likely in the animal range reported for the past few years. The population has been estimated to be similar for a few years now, giving credence to the supposition from earlier years the population is potentially no longer in decline. Given the difficulty of monitoring this population, we believe that until/unless there is a substantial increase in elk numbers, it will be difficult to ascertain whether elk numbers are slowly starting to increase. An MSc student (Adam Moreira) at Lakehead University finished his MSc research on elk at an elk farm near Dryden. The focus of the study was to gain knowledge and information regarding how perception of predation risk changes with group size and results in variations in foraging behaviour. His defense is scheduled for the end of April or early May. NOERC and RMER continue to provide logistical and capital support to elk monitoring and research in Northwestern Ontario. NOERC regularly attends regional Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters zone meetings and provides updates on the

17 17 information collected. RMER continues with successful fundraising (elk dinners and charity shoots) for the program and educational efforts associated with Lakehead University. Of note, the winter in the Lake of the Woods area was short and mild with below average amounts of snow. Snow stations maintained by Kenora and other MNR District Offices saw the final winter snow depth index (SDI) come in with a ranking of mild, with respect to impact on white-tailed deer. Despite the mild winter, deer numbers in the Kenora District appear to be declining with numbers in the LOW area having peaked in 2007 (However, deer numbers in the Cameron Lake area, where there is little hunting owing to the fact the road systems are closed to public travel, appear to be high). The loss of white-tailed deer owing to the winter would be minimal. However, wolf numbers continue to appear high locally, but have dropped below peak levels observed in 2009, and losses due to predation were likely substantial. Additionally, the decline in logging activity in the LOW area, and the loss of an important winter food (arboreal lichens, which come and go in conjunction with spruce budworm outbreaks), will likely result in less suitable deer habitat in the future, and, over time, fewer deer. Lower deer numbers is expected to result in a similar decline in predator populations, which may benefit elk populations in the area. Overall this is generally consistent with guidance from Ontario s Cervid Ecological Framework, which suggests maintaining a low to moderate density deer population in the area in accordance with cervid densities that reflect natural ecological conditions.

18 18 4) Lake Huron North Shore Elk research program update Jim Trottier, Northshore Area Biologist, MNR Blind River Area Office, Blind River, Ontario As part of a provincial initiative to restore elk to their historic range, 47 elk were re-introduced to the Lake Huron North Shore area in April The elk originated from Elk Island National Park in Alberta. Aerial surveys have been flown annually in late winter since 2002 to monitor growth, productivity and dispersion of the Lake Huron North Shore herd. This year was the eleventh annual survey, and it was conducted on February 17 and Survey Methodology A simple, non-random survey methodology is used to locate as many elk as possible, using a combination of radio collar signals and knowledge of past wintering habitat and recent sightings. At the start of this survey, it was believed that 22 elk had working VHF radio collars. Elk are located from the air by following the signal from the collars until a visual sighting is made. Elk frequently associate in groups, and often there are uncollared animals with collared elk. An attempt is made to determine the sex and age of all animals located, and the location of each group is recorded using GPS. Bulls are identified from the air by the presence of antlers, their larger size, and light pelage. Unlike moose and white-tailed deer, bull elk do not shed their antlers until after winter. Approximate age of bulls can be determined by antler characteristics: yearling bulls possess long, unbranched spikes; two-year-olds have a small rack, usually with three or four points on each side; three-year-olds have a heavier rack with four or five points on each side; and mature bulls have large antlers with six points aside. Cows are identified by the absence of antlers, size and their somewhat darker colour. Ageing of

19 19 cows (if unknown) is more difficult, based on relative size differences. As female elk generally don t bear their first young until three years of age, cows younger than three should be recorded as immature. Calves are identified by their small size (one-third to one-half the size of a cow), short face and their behaviour. In addition to locating all collared elk possible, uncollared elk were also sought by searching areas where elk have been known to winter in previous years. The occurrence of fresh tracks (and beds) in the snow was sought as an indicator of elk presence, and when observed, they were followed to locate the animals if possible. The survey was flown over two days out of the Elliot Lake Municipal Airport using an MNR Eurocopter EC-130 B4 helicopter (C-GONT) outfitted with dual external telemetry antennae. Total flight time for the survey was 6.9 hours, which does not include positioning time for the helicopter. Survey Conditions The areas in Laird Township, Kynoch, and north of Elliot Lake were surveyed on February 17, The weather that day was not ideal for surveying, being overcast and with light snow in the Laird and Kynoch areas. The temperature was steady near 0 C. Snow depths were generally less than 30cm, with about hours having passed since the last snowfall of about 4-6cm. On February 18, 2012, the Poulin Township, Parkinson, Iron Bridge and Blind River areas were surveyed. Observation conditions were better that day, with sunny skies and temperatures estimated to be about -3 C to - 5 C. Observations A total of 99 elk were seen during the survey, comprised of 20 collared and 79 uncollared animals. This is the highest number observed to date, up from the 91 elk

20 20 observed under good survey conditions in The age class and sex of observed animals is provided in Figure 3. Sixteen groups of elk were located, ranging from single animals to a group of 32. Nine of these groups, ranging in size from 1 to 6 animals, contained no collared elk. Two collared elk were not located during the survey. Figure. 3: Sex and age of elk observed during the February 2012 LHNS aerial elk survey. The skewed sex ratio of 8.3 mature cows per mature bull is a result of detectablility bias, with many times more collared cows in the population than bulls (18 vs. 1). Cows are also more gregarious than bulls, and their large groups are easier to find from the air than single or small groups of bulls. Undoubtedly, there were uncollared bulls that were missed during the survey. Elk Locations In Laird Township, a group of 13 elk were located on the north side of Neebish Road, about 1km west of Hwy 17, with a group of three bulls about 500 m to the east of their location. Near Kynoch, a single bull was located on the edge of a hill to the northeast of Lake #25. A group of eight cows and immatures were observed on a ridge

21 21 between the farms on Brock Road and the power line corridor. In the Elliot Lake area, two single bulls were found on Denison Mine property, one to the northeast of Stollery Lake, and the other near the west shore of Quirke Lake. A group of 15 cows and immatures was located on the south side of Wolf Lake in Hembruff Township. A lone mature bull was found in Poulin Township north of the Little White River, in the same general area he has frequented every winter since In Parkinson Township, a large group of 32 elk was located in forested habitat to the south of farms at the junction of Highways 546 and 554. A second group of 14 elk was observed about 1 km to the southwest of the first group, also in forested habitat. Closer to Iron Bridge, a group of 9 elk was located to the east of Bolton River Road. Near Blind River, a single cow was located at the mouth of the Mississagi River, opposite the Huron Shores Golf Club. Elk Not Located Two collared cow elk in the Elliot Lake area were not located during this year s survey. The carcass of one was found by a trapper a few days after the survey, but it is unknown what happened to the second animal. In addition, there was likely a number of uncollared elk, particularly bulls, also not located in that area. The entire Elliot Lake herd is likely 25 to 30 animals in size. The Endikai Lake area has had up to 11 elk in past winters, but none were found during a brief search in that area this year. That group seems to have dwindled in numbers since becoming established in , and may now be extirpated, although it s possible there are still a couple of elk in that area we missed. This was the third winter that no animals have been located in that area.

22 22 In the Kynoch area, nine elk were observed during the survey, but a report of 18 elk in this area on November 30, 2011 indicates that a number of animals were likely missed. Fresh tracks to the north and south of the hydro corridor indicated that there were several more elk present, but they could not be located. The estimated size of this herd is 18 or 19 animals. Parkinson Township is likely where the most animals were missed during the survey. Only 46 elk were located in this area, yet a large group of 56 elk was sighted less than two weeks before the survey. Areas north of Hwy 554 and on the east side of Parkinson Twp. had lots of track activity, but no elk could be located there. Additionally, there were no mature bulls among the 46 animals that were seen. The number of elk in the Parkinson area is likely at least 70, and may be as high as 90 or more. In the Laird Township area, 16 animals were found during the survey, although based on reports from local residents, this herd is believed to be more than 30 animals in size. At the time of the survey, there was only one collared animal, a cow, in this group. One observer reported seeing two different groups of elk, one of 18 and another of 13 or 14, within minutes of each other in late November or early December. Another observer has reported seeing at least seven different bulls on his property last fall, yet only three bulls were recorded during the survey. Nine bulls were recorded during the 2011 survey in this herd. In past years there have been unconfirmed sightings and/or reports of tracks or bugling from non-traditional areas that receive little or no survey effort (e.g. Mamainse Harbour, Desbarats, Thessalon, or Dagle Township). While no extraordinary reports were received this year, it s very possible that a few additional elk are present in the Lake

23 23 Huron North Shore area. For population estimate purposes, these could represent between 0 and 10 additional elk Late Winter Population Estimate The Lake Huron North Shore elk herd is at a minimum of 99 animals. Considering sightings and reports of elk received over the past year and the estimated number of uncollared elk that were not detected, the current population is more likely in the 155 to 200 animal range. The herd has steadily increased in size by about 10% or more per year since the 2001 release (Fig. 4), and is now more than triple the number of animals originally re-introduced to the LHNS area. The rate of growth of the herd appears to be increasing. LHNS Elk Population Estimates Number of Elk Year Population Estimate Elk Observed During Survey Figure. 4: Population estimates for the Lake Huron North Shore elk herd from the initial release of 47 elk in 2001 to present. Also shown is the number of elk observed each year during the annual late winter aerial survey.

24 Calf Productivity Seventeen calves (2011 cohort) were located during the 2012 survey, accompanying the 66 adult cows seen. It is very likely that some immature cows were misidentified as mature animals from the air, which would cause productivity (calves: 100 cows) to be underestimated. The percentage of cows with calves was 25.8%, which is towards the low end of the range seen over the 11 years of surveys (Fig. 5). Productivity has ranged from a low of 21.6% to a high of 47.4% since the 2001 release. LHNS Elk Productivity Percent of Cows with Calves Survey Year Figure 5: Percent of mature cows with calves for the LHNS herd for each year from 2002 to Note: 2003 data includes 3 calves and 1 mature cow captured prior to survey and translocated to Sudbury herd data includes 5 calves and 10 mature cows captured prior to survey and held in enclosure and 2007 data include calves and mature cows not observed during the aerial survey but known from regular sightings.

25 25 February 2012 Elk Capture and Radio-Collaring Project At the start of the aerial survey, VHF radio collars of three different vintages were at large in the Lake Huron North Shore elk population. The initial 47 elk released in April 2001 were all radio-collared, and of these, 8 (or possibly 9) collars were still functioning. Another 10 elk were collared in February 2004 during a capture/relocation project; 3 of these collars were still working. In January 2010, 11 new collars were deployed, and 9 of these were still functioning. In total, 20 to 21 functioning collars were at large as of February The proportion of surveyed elk with radio-collars is shown in Fig. 6. On 18 February 2012 (Day 2 of the aerial survey), a project was carried out to radio-collar 16 additional elk in the Lake Huron North Shore herd. Because of the advanced age of many of the existing collars (well beyond their five year expected lifespan), and because collared animals increase the detection rate of elk during annual surveys, the deployment of additional collars in the population was desirable. The capture and collaring of elk was contracted to Bighorn Helicopters of Cranbrook, BC. The radio collars were VHF large mammal collars (Model LMRT-4) manufactured by Lotek Wireless of Newmarket, ON. Fifteen of the collars were new, but one was a previously-used collar that had been modified with an expandable insert for use on bull elk.

26 26 Figure 6: Percent of elk with collars observed during LHNS elk calf surveys over the period At the time of the 2012 survey, 20 collars were functioning. Using helicopter net-gunning to capture the elk, the two-man Bighorn crew completed the collaring project in a single day. Four cow elk were collared in the Neebish Road area of Laird Township, one cow was collared in the Kynoch area, six cows were collared in the Parkinson area, and four cows and a yearling bull were collared near Wolf Lake north of Elliot Lake. There were no injuries sustained by any of the captured elk. Total cost of the project was approximately $29,300, of which the Lake Huron North Shore Elk Restoration Committee contributed approximately $23,700. Documented Mortality, Disease and Parasites over the Past Year Four mortality events are known to have occurred during the period April 1, 2011 to March 31, On April 30, 2011, a dead calf was reported in a field beside Hwy. 546 in Parkinson Twp. It had been hit by a vehicle a day or two before, but not reported by the driver. The carcass was not salvageable for necropsy. On September 27, 2011, a

27 27 radio collar on mortality mode was retrieved near Casselman s Creek in Parkinson Township. The collar had been on a cow elk, but only a few scattered bones could be located. Wolf/coyote predation was the suspected cause of death, and the kill had likely occurred within the previous month. On February 21, 2012, a local trapper reported finding a collared cow elk partially frozen in the ice of a beaver pond near Wolf Lake in Hembruff Township. The cow appeared to have broken through poor ice and drowned. On April 2, 2012, the remains of a bull elk was reported from a field in the Kynoch area. The elk had died sometime over the winter, but the cause of death is not known. Nuisance Occurrences Over the past year, nine reports of nuisance elk were received by MNR, all occurring in agricultural areas. The nature of the complaints were as follows: two occurrences of fence damage at one farm (one involving the escape of livestock into a neighbour s field); two reports of damage/loss of silage at two farms; one report of grazing/trampling of standing crops and one incident of damage to frost blankets at a strawberry farm; one report of damage to a wet field caused by elk; one incident of lost production at a maple tapping operation; and general complaints (one report). Occurrences were reported from five farms: two in the Kynoch area, and three in the Iron Bridge area, with the general complaint also coming from the Iron Bridge area. It is understood that these were only the reported incidents, and that some of these occurrences (e.g. elk in silage) continued over a period of several weeks.

28 28 Summary The Lake Huron North Shore elk herd continues to grow, with an estimated population size of between 155 and 200 animals. Ninety-nine elk were seen during the survey, including 17 calves. Animals were located in a number of discrete areas, including Hembruff Township, Poulin Township, Kynoch, Parkinson, Iron Bridge, Blind River, and Laird Township. An elk capture project was successful at placing radio-collars on 16 new elk. There are now 36 to 37 active collars being monitored. Acknowledgements The aerial survey and radio-collaring projects were funded by the Lake Huron North Shore Elk Restoration Committee, MNR Wildlife Research & Development Section, MNR Fish and Wildlife Special Purpose Account funding, and MNR Sault Ste. Marie District funding. Thanks are extended to MNR Helicopter Pilot Mary-Ellen Pauli, as well as Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Jean Kelley, who acted as a rear observer for the survey. Also participating as rear observers were MNR technicians Ray Lipinski and Sandy Millroy. Pilot Clay Wilson and netgunner Taylor Wilson of Bighorn Helicopters handled all animal capture and radio-collaring duties. Maddie Trottier assisted with the elk capture ground support crew. Special thanks are also extended to Dr. Dennis Prodan, long-time chair of the LHNS Elk Restoration Committee, for his years of dedication and commitment to the elk restoration project.

29 29 Copies of the 2012 annual elk report can be obtained from: Rick Rosatte, Ph.D Senior Research Scientist Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Wildlife Research & Development Section Trent University, DNA Building 2140 East Bank Drive Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9J 7B8 Phone Fax , cell