MEDORA, N.D. (AP) -- The National Park Service on Tuesday was launching this year's elk reduction program in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The program in the western North Dakota park is in its second year. Last year, volunteer shooters killed about 400 elk to begin the process of trimming the herd to a more ideal size.
Backcountry areas and hiking trails in the park's South Unit will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 22 to accommodate the shooters and to keep visitors safe.
The park's North Unit and Elkhorn Ranch Unit are not affected.
