GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Only eight of 23 hunters bagged elk during northwestern Minnesota's 2012-13 season despite the addition of a January hunt.

John Williams, acting regional wildlife supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources in Bemidji, says it's difficult to say why hunting success was lower this year, but it will be a topic of discussion when the DNR and a local stakeholders group meets.

Minnesota has two small elk herds in the wild, one near Grygla in Marshall County and another in Kittson County.

Williams says the DNR manages the Grygla herd with a pre-calving population goal of 30 to 38 elk, and the Kittson Central heard with a pre-calving goal of 20 to 30 animals. Minnesota's elk population varies from 80 to 120.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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