Research shows migration among ungulates, like these elk, is learned rather than being driven by genetics. (Photo by Wes Uncapher) GENERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE Ungulates often migrate, and research indicates some of these herds may learn from older generations. A University of Wyoming study published in Science magazine in 2018 found evidence that migration in these herds is learned socially rather than driven by genetics. Researchers found translocated animals that were moved to unfamiliar areas were less likely to migrate compared to animals that remained in their known areas. If animals are moved to locations where they are in unfamiliar habitats the chance of migrating is far less, which indicates the behavior is learned across generations. However, learning isn't all migrations and feed knowledge. There are social considerations that must be learned. Consider a young buck deer or young bull elk trying to romance a female. They are clumsy and annoying, and females know it. Females have their ways of offering an education by kicking the tar out of a young, inferior suitor and making them wait until that male is more mature. I observed another social learning experience while hunting deer. I watched a small herd on a hillside - all does and fawns but Red-winged blackbirds form flocks that guide young birds during migration. (Photo by Patrick Wine/WGFD) Wyoming Wildlife | 43