The Government of Yukon is working to address recurring conflicts between elk and agricultural landowners in the Takhini Valley.
Farmers are reporting financial and operational strain due to conflicts where agricultural operations and elk habitat overlap. Due to extremely cold temperatures this winter, some farmers have reported increased elk conflict on agricultural properties, with elk damaging farm infrastructure, including crops and hay stores, disturbing livestock and causing safety concerns.
To address these concerns, the Government of Yukon is taking steps to procure elk feed that can be placed in strategic locations in an effort to divert elk from agricultural properties, should the cold weather and low food resources lead to more conflict during the remaining winter months. Conflicts typically subside in the summer as there is more natural forage for elk on the landscape.
The Government of Yukon remains committed to sustainable wildlife management practices and will continue to work closely with agricultural producers and residents to address elk conflict situations in the area.
I met recently with agricultural landowners to learn about the extent of the damage, disruption and stress elk are causing farmers and their livelihood. They told me more solutions need to be considered. The government is exploring additional steps to address these conflicts and remains committed to supporting landowners and elk herd sustainability, while also protecting hunting opportunities for Yukoners.
-
Elk are a popular species of interest for hunters in the Yukon. Elk were introduced in the Yukon in 1951 for hunting opportunities.
-
Over the years, elk have damaged crops and farm infrastructure, negatively impacting some farming operations in the Takhini Valley area.
-
The 2016 Yukon Elk Management Plan focuses on maintaining a sustainable elk population in the Takhini and Braeburn herds to support harvest and wildlife viewing opportunities.
-
Funding remains available to farm owners to protect their farm from damage by wildlife and receive compensation for damage. Eligible recipients can contact the Government of Yukon’s Agriculture Branch for more information.
-
In 2023, a Steering Committee was created to guide the implementation of the two-year pilot program to address elk interactions on agriculture lands in the Takhini Valley area.
-
An elk-agriculture conflict coordinator was hired by the Yukon Fish and Game Association in spring 2024.
-
The coordinator's role is to work with landowners, hunters and conservation officers to deter elk from farm properties through actions that can include dispatching elk, hazing and fencing along with other solutions.
-
The Elk-Agriculture Steering Committee will deliver its final report and recommendations this spring. The report will address the efficacy of elk conflict mitigations that were implemented during the 2023–2025 pilot program.
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Linea Volkering
Communications, Environment
867-332-2688
[email protected]