Dekker examined the decline of elk populations and other ungulates, in the Snake Indian Valley of Jasper National Park, by counting numbers of ungulates seen in this area from 1970 to 1985. The serious decline of Jasper Park's elk in the 1970's appear to have been the result of the cumulative impact of poor winter range, deep snowfalls, and increasing predation; whereas the recent increases of elk at the Devona site coincide with improved winter range and lowered predation. In contrast to the 1983 gains at Devona, Willow Creek elk did not increase after wolf numbers in the area crashed. This was possibly due to an additional mortality factor not present at Devona-hunting. To allow the Willow Creek elk herds to recover, it is recommended that elk harvest along the park's boundaries be managed very carefully. Critical winter range should be designated as a buffer zone where no hunting is allowed.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.