NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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With the wrap of Michigan’s 2024 elk season, hunters saw challenging conditions during Hunt Period 1 and improved outcomes in Hunt Period 2. More than 250 licenses were issued across both periods, and hunters harvested 180 elk in all.
Hunt Period 1
The season began in late August and spanned 12 days throughout September. High temperatures during the fall hunt reduced elk movement during the day, making it difficult to locate elk during hunting hours. Additionally, the heat deterred some hunters from participating out of concern about meat spoilage and heat-related conditions.
Michigan’s early season is designed to remove elk living outside of the designated elk management area, which is primarily the Pigeon River Country State Forest. There are 100 licenses issued for Hunt Period 1: 30 any-elk licenses and 70 antlerless-only licenses.
Despite the challenging weather, Hunt Period 1 proved to be successful for 59 per cent of hunters, who harvested 24 bull elk and 35 antlerless elk, including two calves. This harvest rate is the lowest documented, falling below the average of about 74 per cent since 2007.
This particularly low success rate in Hunt Period 1 likely can be attributed to heat-related factors. High temperatures are not unusual for this time period, but daily highs this year were consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hunt Period 2
Winter conditions brought fresh snow and cooler temperatures, leading to better results during the December hunt.
There were 160 elk licenses issued for this hunt period: 110 antlerless licenses and 50 any-elk licenses. Over the nine-day December season, hunters harvested 46 bulls and 75 antlerless elk, including eight calves. The hunter success rate of Hunt Period 2 was 75 per cent, which is in line with the five-year average success rate of about 79 per cent.
“Snowfall during the December hunt provided much-needed assistance to hunters, allowing for improved tracking conditions and a successful conclusion to the season,” said Angela Kujawa, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist. “Overall, the 2024 elk season showcased the dedication of our hunters and their important contribution to maintaining a healthy and sustainable elk population in Michigan.”
During Hunt Period 2, there was snowfall for the first couple days of the hunt, which made locating and tracking elk easier and led to higher hunter success.
The late season is used to manage overall elk population numbers across the entire elk management unit. In 2024, hunters in hunt periods 1 and 2 harvested 180 elk, including one Pure Michigan Hunt winner.
Learn about elk management, regulations, hunting and viewing locations and more resources online.
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