Wild elk are found in parts of Minnesota and while relatively rare, they sometimes cause considerable crop damage in this area. As authorized by Minnesota Statute 3.7371, the owner of an agricultural crop or pasture may be compensated for damage by wild elk to a crop or a fence surrounding a crop or pasture. Producers seeking compensation need to follow reporting requirements to be eligible. Each instance of crop or fence damage:
- must be documented by the owner,
- reported to and verified by an Approved Agent as caused by wild elk,
- and assessed by an Approved Agent to establish the monetary value of the loss.
Approved agents:
An Approved Agent is an individual designated by the MDA and has the ability to:
- recognize damage to crops and fences from wild elk and distinguish from other types of damage, and
- accurately determine the monetary value of the loss.
To get contact information for an Approved Agent:
- Call MDA program: 651-201-6020
- Email MDA program: mn_mda_elkandwolf@state.mn.us
Owners should contact an Approved Agent when crop/fence damage from wild elk is discovered and remain in contact as directed by the Agent in order to ensure that the loss can be fully assessed. If evidence of elk is no longer present, or the crop/fence can no longer be assessed, a claim will not be paid. An Approved Agent may direct you to take photos or otherwise help with documenting the damage.
Compensation Limits:
If insurance will cover any portion of a loss, that amount must be reported on the claim form and will be subtracted from the claim payment.
Total compensation for an owner is limited to $20,000 per Minnesota fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). The total is calculated based on the year in which damage occurred. For example, if damage occurred during June, 2024 (FY 2024) and the claim is paid after July 1, 2024 (FY2025), the amount paid will still count towards the 2024 compensation limit.
Submitting a Claim:
If you have never received a claim payment from the MDA, you will need to complete and submit a W9 form to the MDA before you can receive a payment.
There are two parts to the claim form.
- Part A of the form should be completed by the crop/fence owner.
- Part B of the form should be completed by an Approved Agent.
Both parts of the form should be submitted to the MDA by an Approved Agent.
