MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin wildlife officials are set to approve hearings on new rules establishing the state's second elk herd.
The state's lone elk herd currently roams the Clam Lake area. The Department of Natural Resources wants to establish a second herd near Black River Falls.
DNR officials want to use elk from Kentucky to establish the new herd as well as expand the Clam Lake herd. They hope to import the first 50 animals in 2015.
The agency has drafted regulations that would establish a new management zone for the new herd with a population goal of 390 animals. The regulations also would set the opening day for an elk season on Oct. 15.
The DNR's board is expected to authorize public hearings on the regulations at a meeting Wednesday in Baraboo.
