Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Advocacy, Agencies, Access => Topic started by: wildebeast on July 15, 2009, 08:54:27 AM

Title: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: wildebeast on July 15, 2009, 08:54:27 AM: 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
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: dreamunelk on July 22, 2009, 11:53:58 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: wildebeast on July 26, 2009, 10:58:35 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: dreamunelk on July 29, 2009, 08:49:46 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: wildebeast on July 31, 2009, 10:16:43 PM: 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
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: bearpaw on July 31, 2009, 10:20:19 PM: awesome photo..... ;)
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: dreamunelk on August 02, 2009, 12:56:19 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: wildebeast on August 02, 2009, 02:06:16 PM: 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
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: dreamunelk on August 04, 2009, 06:23:08 PM: 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!
Title: Re: Info concerning a collared and ear tagged elk
Post by: wildebeast on August 13, 2009, 04:37:46 PM: 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