Migratory vs. Non-migratory elk

Joined
Apr 20, 2022
Messages
8
Are there any maps or descriptions that distinguish the different ranges of migratory vs migratory elk? From what I've seen populations from wetter and warmer areas like the northwest coast with roosevelt elk generally consist of nonmigratory (resident) elk where as colder drier areas like the rockies of Colorado and Wyoming are home to more migratory populations. Was just wondering if anyone knew where more detailed data on exactly where the boundary between these two elk distribution patterns can be found. Thanks
 

Mcribs

FNG
Joined
Oct 30, 2022
Messages
82
Colorado CPW has a map that show migratory routes and also a separate layer that show areas with resident herds. Can’t speak about other states, but here in CO, we have both in similar areas.
 
Joined
Nov 20, 2021
Messages
1,458
The unit I've hunted for decades is non migratory based on talk with CPW officers over the years. One of the reasons (if not the main) that unit had severe winter kill last year. Went from 325 total cow tags for all rifle seasons combined a year ago to 10 tags per season this year.
 
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Jaquomo

WKR
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
325
Where I live in CO the herds are about evenly split between migratory and non-migratory. The big herds that roam around all year between 5K and 7K don't mind if it's 95 degrees in July and the nearest tree is two miles away. The migratory elk travel 30 or more miles, some from 12,500 all the way down to 5-6K winter range, then back again, following the snow line up.

As Mcribs suggested, the CPW interactive maps show all sorts of good data, and at least in my area it can be surprisingly accurate.
 
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