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Points North

Points North, Ep. 45: Poaching and illegal baiting disrupts Michigan’s elk herd

Taylor Wizner
/
Interlochen Public Radio
Two bull elk lock antlers at the Gaylord city elk park.

This week on Points North, we dissect how many elk were poached this winter and why that number has increased. 

Plus, guides are illegally helping hunters bag an elk. What’s next for the guide industry?

Credit Taylor Wizner / Interlochen Public Radio
/
Interlochen Public Radio
It's been one of the worst years for elk poaching in northern Michigan.
Northern Michigan sees spike in elk poaching

Last month, three more elk were poached in the Pigeon River State Forest.

It was the latest in a series of elk poaching that has made the past few months some of the worst in recent memory for Michigan’s elk herd.

Read the full story here.

Elk guides struggle with cheaters in their ranks

Credit Taylor Wizner / Interlochen Public Radio
/
Interlochen Public Radio
Guides are illegally baiting elk to help hunters get a shot.

Elk hunting crimes are up this year. Some elk guides say a lack of consequences for guides who break the rules, and increased competition to get hunters, is hurting the sport’s reputation.

Read the full story here.

Dan Wanschura is the Host and Executive Producer of Points North.
Taylor Wizner covers heath, tourism and other news for Interlochen Public Radio.