MDNR Report

Successful elk huntersSuccessful elk hunters

Despite several days of challenging hunting conditions due to wind, snow, rain and fog, 89% of elk hunters filled their tags during hunt period 2.

State hunters harvested 140 elk (88 cows, 47 bulls and five calves) during the nine-day December season.

There were 160 elk licenses issued for this hunt period, 110 antlerless licenses and 50 any-elk licenses. Of those licenses issued, 84% of antlerless hunters and 96% of any-elk hunters were successful in their pursuits.

The late season is used to manage overall elk numbers across the entire elk management unit. In 2021, hunters in hunt periods 1 and 2 harvested 213 elk, including all three Pure Michigan Hunt winners, who harvested bulls during hunt period 1.

Successful elk hunter Deb Krueger of Hastings spoke about her hunting experience with pride and gratitude, saying, “I spent months getting ready for this hunt. I increased my walking distances and went to the gun range seven times to sight-in and practice with my 30-06 rifle that I had work done on. I went into the hunt feeling confident in myself and my firearm.”

Her hard work and preparation paid off. Krueger pulled the trigger on a 6x5 bull elk on the opening day of the season.

“The snow was deep with slippery mud underneath. It was raining, thundering and lightning. The scope on my gun froze-over a couple of times. I saw several big elk that morning but finally the conditions were just right to be able to pull the trigger. After a short stalk in deep snow, I was within 100 yards of the elk and was able to take it with only one shot,” Krueger said.

“It was a wonderful experience. The best part was meeting good people. I could not have accomplished this without my fantastic elk guide. It took a group effort to prepare for the hunt, find and harvest this elk, remove it from the field, and have the meat processed. I am so appreciative of everyone involved in the process.”

Learn more about elk hunting at Michigan.gov/Elk.