RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The state Game, Fish and Parks Department is increasing its population estimate for elk in the Black Hills.

A recently completed helicopter survey of South Dakota’s portion of the Black Hills showed an estimate of slightly more than 6,000 elk. This is up from an estimate of 4,000 a year ago.

GF and P regional wildlife manager John Kanta says the survey included aerial work and is more comprehensive than previous surveys. He says that is why the estimate went up.

But other people aren’t so sure. John Wrede is a retired GF&P conservation officer and regional wildlife manager. Wrede believes the survey counted some elk more than once, which is leading to inaccurate estimates.