Illegally killed elk won’t impact future management during whitetail season

A couple of elk killed during the nine-day gun deer season this year likely won’t change how the Wisconsin DNR manages the small but growing herds.

Two elk were illegally killed in Monroe and Jackson counties during the hunt.

DNR big game ecologist Kevin Wallenfang said deer hunt or not, there should be no accidental shooting of the completely different species.

“We post signs saying there are elk out on the landscape, so be sure of what you’re shooting at,” Wallenfang said. “The private landowner, from what I understand, they knew there were elk on the property.

“It’s kind of an inexcusable and unnecessary waste of that resource.”

Besides being much bigger than whitetail deer, the two elk shot were wearing blaze orange tracking collars.

“That first sign of orange should be an indication that, ‘Hey, I need to take a really close look at what I’m doing here,’” Wallenfang said.

A bull elk was shot on opening day of deer season in Monroe County. That hunter self-reported the shooting and claims it was accidental. A cow elk was shot in Jackson County two days later. That killing is still under investigation.

The first elk was seized and confiscated in accordance with Wisconsin law and all the meat will be salvaged and donated to the Jackson County Food Pantry.

Anyone with information on the second killing can call the confidential tip line at 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367).