DNR reports elk numbers rising but hunting permits remain years away; CWD complicates sourcing
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Summary
The agency said West Virginia’s elk herd is growing, with roughly 120–140 animals after recent shipments, but the population must reach an estimated 350–400 on the ground before limited hunting permits would be considered; chronic wasting disease concerns complicate further imports.
Brett McMillian, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, told the Senate Committee on Natural Resources that the state’s elk program has added animals this year and that the current population is generally estimated in the 120–140 range depending on mortality.
McMillian said about 20 of the most recent shipment were cows and many were pregnant; he said the department expects births will increase numbers provided there is not substantial mortality or disease. He told senators the agency judges it needs roughly 350–400 elk on the ground before issuing limited hunting permits.
The director cautioned that chronic wasting disease (CWD) in other states has complicated the ability to acquire additional elk because of restrictions and ‘‘hot zones’’ that limit safe transfers. He said the department is continuing to seek opportunities to increase the herd but described the situation as “a bit of an impasse” while CWD-positive zones persist elsewhere.
McMillian offered to arrange tours and further briefings with the DNR biologist overseeing the program for interested senators and reiterated that the timeline to a first lottery draw for elk hunting depends on herd growth, recruitment and disease outcomes.