The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will conduct aerial elk surveys beginning the second week of January. DNR staff will survey the Kittson County and Grygla elk herds in northwestern Minnesota and the border elk herd in both Minnesota and Manitoba.

The surveys are typically conducted each year during the winter, weather permitting.

Aerial survey information is used to monitor elk populations and help the DNR make decisions about future elk management and harvest regulations.

“We have sufficient snow cover now to start our elk surveys,” said Doug Franke, acting assistant regional wildlife manager and elk survey coordinator. “We anticipate the surveys will be completed in about two weeks.”

The DNR is also asking for help from those who have recently seen elk in their area. People are encouraged to contact their local DNR office with sighting information.