MDNR Report

Elk Hunters Successful in Early Season

Michigan's early elk hunting season - which occurs between Aug. 28-31, Sept. 14-17 and Sept. 28-Oct. 1 - saw 69 state hunters, three Pure Michigan Hunt winners and three tribal hunters all take elk.

This year more than 40,000 Michigan hunters applied for an elk license. Two hundred applicants were successful in the drawing, with 100 drawing for the early season and 100 for the December season.

Weather had an impact on the hunt. Severe storms, including tornadoes, occurred the first few days of the season, and temperatures were in the 80s during the mid-September dates. During the last days of the hunt, there were cooler temperatures and elk were in the rut.

The success rate for state hunters was 69 percent, which is just under the 70- to 80-percent success rate typically seen.

Those interested in elk hunting in 2019 can apply between May 1 and June 1, 2019. To view hunt unit maps and license information, including a video about the elk lottery, visit www.michigan.gov/elk.