ELK ECO TOURS

As of February 24, 2008, the Quinte Elk Restoration Committee had organized 5 bus tours dating to 2003. Originally, the price of the fare included a bar-b-que but considering this was a winter outing the bar-b-que was exchanged for a Chinese dinner in nearby Bancroft. Mostly, people discover the Elkman’s by word of mouth. The best time to see the elk is during the winter months when Joe Neuhold feeds them on a daily basis. However, there are elk all over the map with concentrations at Lingham Lake near Madoc, Mephisto Lake (or Little Devil) and Turriff off Highway #62 going northward towards Bancroft and east of Bancroft off Highway #28 there are small herds to the north near Fraser Lake or south towards Mayo Lake off the Hartsmere Road at the Elkman’s. Following are a few suggested routes compiled as part of the elk restoration project. By no means is there any guarantee of actually seeing any elk but chances are better on these routes.

The Hartsmere Herd

Starting Point: In Bancroft, at the traffic lights, from St. Paul’s United Church. All mileage is approximately accurate.

1. Follow Highway #28E to McArthurs Mills to the Mayo Lake/Hartsmere Road (25.6 km). GPS reading 18 274993E, 49 85620N.
2. Proceed along the Mayo Lake Road 4.7 km to where it meets the Hartsmere Road. You will see a sign for the Cedar Ridge Camp at this juncture. Turn left. GPS 18 297253E, 5000100N.
3. Watch for deer crossing the road. Go 2.5 km to Joe’s mail box which reads Reimold, Neuhold. The 911 number is 504 if you can see it. GPS 18 301701E, 49 96218N.
4. Turn right. From the gate the distance is 7/10ths of a km. GPS 18 301998E, 49 95604N.

Elk Eco Tour Etiquette

1. Phone ahead (613-332-2867). The gate is locked during the thaw to prevent people getting stuck in the mud. It is locked during the two week rifle season for white-tailed deer. It can be locked at any time. It would be a shame to drive all the way there to find the gate locked.
2. Make sure your vehicle – especially the tires – are in good shape. One bus slid of the narrow roadway causing no end of upset.
3. Don’t litter~!
4. No carrots or other food. The elk are wild animals. If they sense fresh food they could stampede. There is no fence to separate viewers from the elk. They are big, and powerful. This isn’t time for “cutesey photos”. Safety first.
5. Remember you are a guest.
6. Donations are most welcome.