Please exercise caution with the caps of all the containers in the series.
This series of caches is highlighting Michigan’s elk country located in and around the Pigeon River Valley. Most of the containers are “brown bugger” micro containers either tethered or magnetic. Some are small tethered bottles. Nearly all are winter friendly but those that are not are tethered to a post so look for the leash. If you choose to place a favorite point, please place it on the first cache in the series – Pigeon River Elk Viewing 01.
There are 13 elk viewing areas in the Gaylord/Atlanta/Wolverine Pigeon River triangle area. The best time to see elk is at dawn and dusk in the fall breeding season when they are typically feeding in open areas. When viewing elk, make as little disturbance as possible and never try to approach. Elk can weigh up to 900 pounds.
Michigan’s native elk disappeared in the late 1800’s due to unregulated harvest and lack of quality habitat. The wild elk herd in Michigan today is the result of seven elk being brought from the western United States to Wolverine, Michigan in 1918. The number of elk grew steadily, but not without social and management struggles.
Michigan’s first elk hunting seasons were held to help address complaints of agricultural damage, forest regeneration issues, and concerns of elk and deer competing for resources. Through the late 1960’s, elk numbers declined due to illegal killing of elk and lack of quality habitat. Fortunately, the elk herd rebounded due to increased law enforcement and improved habitat.
Elk, just like many different wild animals, prefer large open areas and young forests. Timber management is the key to having young forests. Forests are a renewable resource that provide homes for animals, jobs for humans, and paper and wood products for civilization.
The goal of elk management is balancing elk numbers, their distribution, their habitat, and humans. Wildlife managers use regulated hunting, timber management, and habitat work to keep the majority of elk on public land in northeast Michigan.