Researchers and volunteers visit every deer hunting camp in and around the site to distribute brochures on how to distinguish elk from deer. Only one elk has been shot in four years. Thus far only one minor collision was reported which didn't damage the car nor injure the elk calf. The village of Clam Lake has embraced the newcomers. There's a large sign in the heart of town and elk photos by local residents line the walls of area businesses.
Residents receive research progress reports and more elk-seeking tourists visit the area.
Anderson said local acceptance is good, but elk tend to get conditioned to people and autos. He is also watching for crop damage. In their current range, the elk are having little effect on agriculture. However, if the herd expands, elk foraging on agricultural and private forest crops, will need to be addressed . Anderson believes elk will be accepted in Wisconsin and crop depredation can be managed to minimize problems, as it is in Michigan.