Pennsylvania Elk Watching and Nature Tourism Project

Pigeon River State Forest, Michigan

Brian Mastenbrook, Elk Habitat Biologist

(517) 732-3541

Size: 100,000 acres

Ownership: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Location: Northern Michigan near Gaylord

Elk population: 1,000 Rocky Mountain Elk

Principal viewing seasons: Fall

Overview

The Pigeon River State Forest herd is an excellent example of management techniques that integrate hunting with elk-watching. More importantly, the success was predicated upon a management plan that addressed the habitat needs for the elk, and the need to integrate elk management with recreational opportunities. Distinct from the nature tourism-based aspects of the plan in Pennsylvania, the recreational opportunities in Michigan’s plan focus primarily on hunting. Nonetheless, elk viewing has become a popular and important part of the tourism mix here, as evidenced by the annual elk festival in late September, and as evidenced by the "elk" brand that local communities have adopted as their primary tourism label.

Elk viewing has becoming increasingly popular here, especially in September, when as numerous visitors park at a designated viewing area to see elk, particularly bulls in the rut. For the first time this fall, visitors will be able to stop in the local Michigan DNR office in Gaylord to pick up a viewing map with information, including general ethics. Otherwise, no interpretation or facilities exist beyond parking areas. To meet the mandate of the forest for low intensity management, managers emphasize self-discovery and dispersed use.

The state plants food crops at the viewing areas to improve both habitat and viewing experiences. Brian Mastenbrook, elk habitat biologist, observes that the elk will leave a viewing area, in spite of food plots, if a viewer or photographer moves in close. He has also watched visitors exert peer pressure to prevent people from approaching the animals.

In addition to driving and parking at elk viewing sites, horseback riders have taken a keen interest in elk viewing. The horseback user groups are developing their own use plan to provide ethical elk viewing guidelines for riders. The plan is in response to problems from riders trailing elk and forcing them to move from preferred areas. This approach might be useful in Pennsylvania as a way to promote an off-road elk viewing experience. The process, too, offers a model for a viewing plan generated by the users, rather than by an agency. Michigan DNR welcomes the effort and works with the group closely.

Key Points

1. Food plots at viewing areas only work for enhancement as long as elk watchers don’t pursue the animals.
2. Peer pressure can be a successful way to self-enforce viewing ethics.
3. Horseback riding offers another elk viewing experience–a new plan will address responsible viewing for riders.