Northwest Minnesota elk: Normative approach to management acceptability

Elk (Cervus elaphus) populations were historically abundant across much of Minnesota, but were extirpated by the early 20th century. A small elk population currently exists in northwest Minnesota due to restoration efforts and... [ view full abstract ]

Elk (Cervus elaphus) populations were historically abundant across much of Minnesota, but were extirpated by the early 20^th century. A small elk population currently exists in northwest Minnesota due to restoration efforts and migration from other herds but population size has been limited to minimize human-wildlife conflict. Long-term viability of elk populations in Minnesota depends on landowner tolerance and public support for elk. Landowners living near these elk herds represent a microcosm that can provide unique research opportunities. The Minnesota DNR uses strategies such as harvest manipulation, habitat acquisition and development, and public/private land food plots to manage elk populations. The acceptability of these management tools can be evaluated using a normative approach, along with helping to explain why actions are judged to be unacceptable. Normative beliefs are influenced by situational variables and human values. We used mail surveys of 3,000 private landowners in northwest Minnesota to identify landowner attitudes toward elk and to determine preferences for future elk population management. We proposed several management alternatives based on severity of elk impacts and we were able to compare management preferences based on attitudes toward elk, past negative experiences with elk, and other characteristics. We found management acceptability to be significantly influenced by landowners’ attitude toward elk. Farming, severity of damage to row crops, and frequency of interactions with elk negatively impacted attitudes toward elk, while deer hunters had positive attitudes toward elk. Recreational hunting and food plots on private and public lands were the preferred management methods among all respondent groups. Lack of information about landowner attitudes toward elk in Minnesota and management preferences makes management difficult. There are strong attitudes toward elk in northwest Minnesota and survey results can help identify ways to address private landowners’ concerns.