Minnesota DNR to offer 10 elk licenses for the 2024 season
May 14—ST. PAUL — The Department of Natural Resources is offering 10 elk licenses this year in northwest Minnesota, and hunters have through Saturday, June 15, to apply, the DNR said Monday, May 13.
Licenses offered this year include two landowner permits, two 10-year history permits, and six general lottery permits.
Hunters can apply for:
* One of three available licenses to harvest either a bull or antlerless elk in Zone 20's season A.
* One of two available licenses to harvest an antlerless elk, which can be a female or a young male, in Zone 20's season B.
* One of five available licenses to harvest either a bull or antlerless elk in Zone 30's season C.
All three seasons will be conducted from Saturday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 29.
There are currently three recognized herds in northwestern Minnesota: Grygla, Kittson Central and Caribou-Vita. The Grygla area zone remains closed to state-licensed elk hunters.
In a news release, the DNR said it is committed to managing elk for specific population goals set in the most recent elk management plan. The reduction in harvestable elk by state hunters reflects the DNR's desire to move toward population goals while considering potential harvest by Red Lake Nation Band members.
The Red Lake Nation plans to hold an elk hunt within the 1863 Treaty territory again this fall. The Red Lake Nation offered 30 elk tags in 2023, and tribal hunters shot 10 elk — nine bulls and one cow — Jay Huseby, wildlife director for the Red Lake DNR, told the Herald in March.
The Minnesota DNR's reduction also accounts for uncertainty in elk numbers since lack of snow prevented the department from conducting its aerial elk population survey this past winter, the agency said.
"We know there are concerns related to crop and fence damage," said Kelsie LaSharr, DNR elk coordinator. "The DNR will continue to work with tribal nations, local landowners, agricultural producers, legislators, local government officials and state agencies to address those concerns and manage Minnesota's elk sustainably."
Hunters must select a season and can apply individually or in parties of two at any license agent,
online
at
or by telephone at (888) 665-4236. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $5 per hunter.
Two licenses, one in Zone 20 and one in Zone 30, are reserved for individuals who meet
landowner requirements — mndnr.gov/hunting/elk/landowner-elk-hunting.html — and apply for a license.
Successful hunters must present the animal within 24 hours of harvest for registration and collection of biological samples to screen for diseases or other health-related issues.
More information is available on the DNR's
elk hunting webpage
at
. For more on Minnesota's elk, check out the DNR's
elk management webpage
at
.
