Nebraska has recorded its second highest bull elk harvest ever when hunters took 102 bulls this fall, compared to 105 in 2012.
The 2015 early elk season closed Oct. 25. In addition to bulls, 31 cows and six calves were harvested. Cow season will reopen Dec. 1 through 31, when an additional 50 cows are expected to be taken.
This year’s elk harvest through Oct. 25, by unit permit: Ash Creek, 10 bulls, two cows; Bordeaux, 19 bulls, seven cows, two calves; Box Elder, 11 bulls, six cows; Boyd, one bull; Hat Creek, 21 bulls, three cows, one calf; Niobrara, seven bulls, three cows; North Platte River, 28 bulls, 10 cows, three calves.
In addition, bulls were taken by three auction and two lottery permit holders. The 2014 elk harvest included 95 bulls and 81 cows and calves.
This year is Nebraska’s 23rd modern elk season. Since the first season, when 15 elk were harvested in 1986, 907 bulls and 863 cows and calves have been taken.
“This is a modern wildlife success story that has given more than 3,000 Nebraskans the opportunity to hunt elk,” said Kit Hams, big game program manager for the Game and Parks Commission.