Kentucky to transfer 150 elk to Wisconsin to help build herd

KENTUCKY (AP) -- Kentucky's elk herd began with seven elk from Kansas in 1997.

Now the population has boomed to 10,000, and the commonwealth is helping to build a new herd in Wisconsin.

According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the agency will provide Wisconsin with 150 cows, calves and yearling male elk trapped from areas with high complaints about nuisance elk.

The transfers will take place over the next 3-5 years and be paid for by Wisconsin.

In return, Wisconsin will help develop forest habitat in eastern Kentucky to benefit wildlife, especially ruffed grouse.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources employees will assist with the trapping and disease testing in Kentucky.

The Montana-based Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will supply additional support.

The foundation was instrumental in establishing Kentucky's elk herd.