Administration - Conference & other proceedings

Leptich, D.J. & Zager, P. (1991). Road access management effects on Elk mortality and population dynamics. Elk vulnerability Symposium, Bonzeman, MT.

Abstract

Not OHV-specific. A radio-collared sample of 78 elk were monitored for three years to determine the effects of road access on hunting season elk mortality rates. It was established that road density increased elk harvest by significant numbers, and that the age structure of bull elk was severely affected by the large percentages of elk harvested in roaded areas. Only 5% of bulls reached maturity in densely roaded areas, compared with over 30% mature bulls in unroaded and/or broken terrain areas with, with some bulls living in excess of 10 years. Includes bibliography.

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