Effectiveness of Neckbands for Marking Elk

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Two hundred and nine elk (Cervus canadensis) were marked with neckbands during the winters of 1963-64 and 1964-65 in Montana. Neckbands were constructed from 3-inch-wide strips of plastic impregnated nylon. Symbols and color combinations were used to make each neckband individually recognizable. Relocations on marked animals totaled 1,909 during a 20-month period. Ninety percent of the marked animals were relocated at least once. The combination of easily identified neckbands with reconnaissance by helicopter is an effective means of locating animals in inaccessible areas. While marked animals are a well recognized asset in many types of wildlife investigations, to contrive a durable, easily observed marker is often a problem. The use and construction of collars or neckbands for deer has been described by several authors (Progulske 1957, Hamilton 1962, Fashingbauer 1962). Harper and Lightfoot (1966) have recently compared several tagging devices for both elk and deer. Neckbands have also been used on elk in Colorado (Denney 1966). Experiences in Montana have indicated that neckbands are a very effective marking system for elk. Initial results of Montana's neckbanding program are presented here for the benefit of other investigators. The value of these neckbands for estimating the validity of elk counts has been pointed out by Lovaas et al. (1966). During the winters of 1963-64 and 196465, the Montana Fish and Game Department engaged in a trapping and marking program in the Sun River elk herd in westcentral Montana. Elk were trapped by means of bait or drive traps. Helicopters were used to herd elk into the drive traps in a manner similar to that described by Howe (1963). Each animal was ear-tagged and individually marked with a neckband consisting of a 3-inch-wide background strip with a symbol of contrasting color. Neckbands were constructed of plastic impregnated nylon (Saflag available from the Safety Flag Company of America, Pawtucket, Rhode Island) and nylon webbing. Strips of Saflag (3 x 36 inches) were sewed to the nylon webbing material for strength. Symbols similar to those illustrated by Progulske (1957:252) were cut from Saflag and sewn to the neckbands. Bands for cows and calves were pre-riveted (31 inches 1 A contribution from Montana Federal Aid Project W-98-R. Partial funds were furnished by the Allen Foundation. 845 of the peak of fawning could not be established. However, it appears from these data that the peak of the fawn drop and the rut in the Coastal Plain is approximately 1 month earlier than in the Piedmont or