Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk

[wildebeast]

I got several photos of a collared and ear tagged elk, so I e-mailed the biologists in Vancouver WA for more info on where and when this elk had been collared.  I never sent a photo or told them the location because I believed it would get their interest so we could share information.

After over a week I got a reply wanting to know the area I got the photo.  Seems they needed that information to find the right department to where the elk was tagged.  What a joke, I gave them the ear tag number and unless they use the same number on all the elk or reuse the number in different areas, which I doubt, it would be easy to find the location the elk was tagged.

cliff

[dreamunelk]

Actually it is not a joke.
First they have to find out what the area is to determine if it is a state, federal, or tribal marked elk.  Next they have to determine who the bio is that has the records.  Collar information is usually kept tight and generally on a need to know basis.  The ear tag is interesting.  Not very common anymore to put a visible numbered ear tag on an elk or deer anymore.  But, there are reasons. 
I am wondering if you seen a 20+ year old cow elk.  There are  many out there with no longer functioning collars.   

[wildebeast]

Thanks for the info, that helps, if only they would have given me more of a reply.

I'll try and find out more on the elk.

cliff

It's just a touchy subject between where I have my cameras and the time of year, not for this photo, but not so far away either.

[dreamunelk]

Just call the regional office of the area you seen the elk.  Ask to speak to a wildlife bio about the elk you seen or just say you have some elk questions for x area.  You will likely have to leave a message.  When you talk to the bio just give the general area and the tag info.  If it is important to know a better location they will explain why.  Don't be surprised if they do not know, like I said it could be an old cow.  However, if you could read the number easily, then maybe not.

[wildebeast]

I cropped the photo to show the elks head, tag and collar.  Looks like it's not very old, but I don't see many to kame a judgement.

cliff

[bearpaw]

awesome photo.....

[dreamunelk]

Wow!  I may be wrong but, that collar looks ancient!  I am going to forward to some friends and see what I can find out.  I bet she is in her late teens or older.

[wildebeast]

Thanks, I know the cow has a calf and it's close to the Toutle area.  Be nice to get some history on the elk for my study.

I don't know anything about the collars or tag but they sure look in good condition, that's why I thought they might be recent.

cliff

[dreamunelk]

Congrats, you have a  photograph of 1 of the 55 elk on the air in the St Helens area that is contributing to a mark/resight study.

This cow was caught on 2/17/09 in GMU 524.

Sent you an email prior to me getting this info.  The Bios would love an uncropped pic. No age data at this time.  Unknown if the pulled a tooth and it can take many months to years before the teeth are sent. 

So I was way off on the age of the collar! 

[wildebeast]

Not much more to show on the cropped elk, the camera was set close, but did get another tagged elk which I think it's the same one about a mile farther down hill and 5 days between photos. 

Went back up Monday and set out 5 cameras to get some bull elk out of velvet.  It was wet and foggy which made the climb harder but well worth the hike to get to the bottom.  I think I'm ready for Everest after the climb back up that rock bluff.  Will leave the the cameras out for 2 weeks and hope the elk polish up the antlers a bit.

cliff