Elk populations in the Kootenays are in decline in several population units and below previous population objectives in the Elk Valley. In a population, females are a limiting factor in terms of population growth. Reducing mortality rates of cow elk supports sustaining and/or increasing population numbers. 

The Elk Valley was aerially surveyed early in 2021 and the population declined substantially since the last survey in 2013 below the population objectives in the last Kootenay Elk Plan. The Creston population unit hasn’t been surveyed for over a decade, but anecdotal information from the area and from survey results from surrounding population units point to declines. Inventory of the Creston elk population is scheduled for the winter of 2021/2022.