University of Kentucky - Elk Grant Study FY25

Using Spatial Mark Recapture to Estimate the Elk Population in Kentucky Abstract One of the most important components of animal reintroduction is long-term monitoring and adaptive management that meets wildlife agency and stakeholder goals. The reintroduction of elk into Kentucky has led to the rapid population growth of this species, establishment of hunting seasons, and the subsequent need to calibrate population management of the species. In order to accomplish this goal, widespread and repeated field data collection efforts are needed to estimate population size, efforts that can vary widely in geographic scope, cost, and accuracy. Herein we propose to use trail cameras in conjunction with existing GPS-collared elk to employ a spatial mark-recapture approach to estimate the elk population in one hunting zone and compare outcomes to a harvest-based model.