BECKLEY -- State wildlife officials are using motion-sensitive cameras and salt licks to track elk in seven southwestern counties.
The goal is to determine the size of West Virginia's elk population. Wildlife officials also want to know whether the elk are reproducing or wandering across the border from Kentucky.
The cameras are being installed in Wayne, Lincoln, Boone, Mingo, Logan, Wyoming and McDowell counties. These counties comprise an elk management zone established by the Division of Natural Resources.
Assistant wildlife chief Paul Johansen told The Register-Herald that the DNR wants to be prepared to manage the elk population if hunting the animals is legalized in the state. But he says a legalized hunt could be several years away.
BECKLEY -- State wildlife officials are using motion-sensitive cameras and salt licks to track elk in seven southwestern counties.
The goal is to determine the size of West Virginia's elk population. Wildlife officials also want to know whether the elk are reproducing or wandering across the border from Kentucky.
The cameras are being installed in Wayne, Lincoln, Boone, Mingo, Logan, Wyoming and McDowell counties. These counties comprise an elk management zone established by the Division of Natural Resources.
Assistant wildlife chief Paul Johansen told The Register-Herald that the DNR wants to be prepared to manage the elk population if hunting the animals is legalized in the state. But he says a legalized hunt could be several years away.
Get Connected