Murrow said she would begin monitoring the elk as soon as they leave the pen. She said Morristown Flying Service of Morristown, Tenn., had been contracted to assist in the tracking program. Fly-overs will be performed twice weekly. Aerial surveys greatly increase transmitter range. Murrow expects to be able to pick up signals up to 15 miles from the plane.
Terrain comes into play when tracking from the ground.
Murrow said the transmitters are usually good for up to eight miles if one gets a clear shot, but mountains and rough terrain can cut that to one mile. The 25 collared elk include 13 bulls and 12 cows. Eight of the 11 cows of calf-bearing age are pregnant. These eight have been fitted with vaginal implants. According to Murrow, when these cows give birth the vaginal implants will be forced out and fall on the ground.