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Show Aerial photograph shows part of elk herd on Mt. Dutton area which was counted by Division of Wildlife Resources personnel Most elk herds in Utah are counted twice a year by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Once in July or August and then again in mid or late winter. last week. The elk appeared to be In good condition and as photo shows, were running In large herds. Mt. Dutton Elk Count Show Animals 'Okey' The summer count is generally done by horseback The main purpose of this census is to determine the production of calves for the year. Calf production for 1976 was good on Mt. Dutton. The crop of 50 percent calves compared favorably with the past five-year average of 44 percent. The winter count is done to keep tabs on wintering areas and the general population trend of the herd. Wintertime surveys are made from either a helicopter or a fixed-wing aircraft Snow is a major factor it. a good winter count. The animals are generally located by first noticing their tracks in the snow. Poor snow conditions make the small groups of animals more difficult to find. Animals In the trees are also hard to locate. The animals were well-bunched this year Considering some of the conditions. The count went quite well. A total of 236 elk were observed. The past five-year average has been 220 counted. The elk appeared to be in excellent condition. The dry winter has allowed the animals to easily mov ..bout on the winter range. The larger groups of elk were seen In East and West Hunt Creeks, Cherry Creek and Deer Creek. |