A ratio of 25 bulls to every 100 cows to guarantee herd growth.
The good news? Herds are pretty close to compliance.
In fact, MDC wants to increase the herd to roughly 400 to 500 elk. Should a hunt occur in 2020, there will only be between five and 10 permits offered and they will be for bull elk only. While the rules and regulations are still in progress, Hildreth says the elk permits may cost more than the state's deer permits, but pricing has not yet been determined.
And, if the population spikes dramatically, more permits will likely be available. MDC is working towards establishing possible regulations for a probable hunt.
"If the population is at a point that it could sustain a harvest, we'll be ready with our regulations," says Hildreth.
Stay tuned to goHUNT for further information.