The Jackson Elk Herd Intensive Wildlife Management in North America Cambridge Studies in Applied Ecology and Resource Management Series

The management of the elk population at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has been the subject of a long-standing controversy among wildlife biologists, with critics of the winter feeding program predicting that such intervention would result in overpopulation, habitat destruction, disease and chaos. After more than 75 years in which hay has been provided during the winter months in most years, the elk population is flourishing and is for good measure one of the most intensively studied and managed wildlife populations in North America. This detailed study of migration, population dynamics, harvesting strategies, winter feeding programs and range relationships in the Jackson elk herd provides a classic study in wildlife management. As such it will have wide appeal to professionals and students in wildlife biology, resource management and applied ecology.

Preface; 1. Historical overview and introduction to management of the Jackson elk herd; 2. Migration and seasonal distribution; 3. The elk population; 4. Habitat ecology; 5. Winter feeding; 6. Managing habitats on the National Forest; 7. Management by the Wyoming Game and Fish department; 8. Management of elk in Grand Teton National Park; 9. Public interests in elk management; 10. Conclusions and evaluation; Appendices A–J; References; Indexes.