Wyoming plans to have a detailed elk management plan for the first time in history within a year in hopes of guiding the state for the foreseeable future. Wyoming Public Radio reports the Game and Fish Department has been working with the public since late 2020 to address arising issues with elk feed grounds in Wyoming.
A group of 60 volunteer stakeholders have contributed to the management plan discussion over several months. Public Information Specialist Mark Gocke told WPR the main concern is stemming the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Gocke says some studies show that the disease is spread more rapidly on feed grounds because the elk are bunched together. The future plan would not impact the National Elk Refuge.
Gocke said the department will now take the feedback and begin drafting the management plan.
