The goal is to place GPS tracking collars on elk in Wisconsin. The easiest way to do that is to find them shortly after birth because once they get a little bit older and more mobile, tracking them down in the Wisconsin woods will be extremely difficult.
Staffers with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources along with volunteers recently took part in such a mission and found what they call the first wild elk calf known to be born in Jackson County in 2018.
The collar is specially tailored to fit calves as they grow. It will provide biologists with information about habitat use, survival and more throughout their life. Late May and early June are when most elk calves are born in Wisconsin.
More volunteers are needed to help in the quest. Go here for more information.
(Photo source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)