Elk Refuge Jackson Hole, WyomingKiosk in the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson, Wyoming
Twice each year the elk of Jackson Hole participate in a vast migration that covers a large portion of northwestern Wyoming. This kiosk located in the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson, Wyoming shows the migration routes of elk that winter on the National Elk Refuge. Elk summer habitat is in the remote mountain ranges and farthest valleys and meadows. The elk in the high country respond to the message carried by late autumn snows. From the high plateaus of the Southern Yellowstone Country. From Grand Teton National Park and from the Teton Wilderness within the Bridger National Forest, elk begin drifting down into Jackson Hole, headed for the National Elk Refuge. By January, thousands of elk are feeding on the refuge lands visible from overlooks on the highway north of Jackson. Some have traveled more than 65-straight line miles during migration.
View looking east across the National Elk Refuge from just north of Jackson, Wyoming
In winter, the refuge hosts an average of 7,000 elk, over half the total Jackson elk herd. Others winter in sheltered feeding areas elsewhere, and in some winters a considerable number may stay off the refuge. Elk are free to migrate to and from the refuge. Old homestead on the eastern side of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole
In April, the instinctual migration begins back to the high country. Normally, bulls leave first, followed a short time later by cows, heavy with calves. The calves may be born on the way to the high country. When calves are strong enough, the cows will move on following the receding snow line. The herd remains scattered through the back country until fall. When the aspen yellow on the slopes and the hint of winter is in the air, elk begin to congregate and work their way back down into the valley and the National Elk Refuge. View looking east across the National Elk Refuge from just north of Jackson, Wyoming
The National Elk Refuge is a Legacy of Conservation. The Jackson Elk Herd historically wintered in and migrated through the land where the town of Jackson now lies. As development of the valley grew at the turn of the turn of the 20th century, migratory routes changed. Livestock competed with elk for natural grasses in the valley, and elk often raided ranchers' haystacks. These changes and a series of harsh winters led to the starvation of thousands of elk. The community of Jackson grew concerned that the elk herd would not survive without human intervention. Citizens appealed to the Federal government for help. Land was purchased from homesteaders to establish the National Elk Refuge in 1912. View looking west across the National Elk Refuge at the Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park
Joyce took this picture of the National Elk Refuge looking to the southwest from the backside of the National Elk Refuge. The mountains with snow in the distance are the south end of the Teton Range. The city of Jackson is behind that "hill" in the middle of this picture. Sign explaining the Izaak Walton addition to the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole
The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) is a national organization of hunters, anglers, and other conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts who work through volunteer, community-based action and education programs to ensure the sustainable use of America’s natural resources. The League was founded in 1922 by a group of sportsmen who were concerned about how the rapid growth of America’s communities and industry was affecting the nation’s waterways. The rapid loss of valuable wetlands, forests, and other undisturbed wilderness areas also became a major concern to the fledgling League.
Today, with over 50,00 members and supporters, the League offers a variety of ways for people to get involved, from joining one of over 350 local chapters and state divisions, to participating in "Save Our Streams," a hands-on program that teaches youths and adults how to monitor and protect streams. Other IWLA programs focus on natural resources advocacy through state and federal legislation, outdoor ethics for recreationalists, community sustainability, energy efficiency and sustainable agricultural practices. To learn more about the mission, programs, history, or to learn how to join, visit the Izaak Walton League of America web site at www.iwla.org.
Mule's ear blooming on the eastern side of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming
In their summer range, elk feed on lush meadow plants and use forests for shelter. Here, cows give birth from late May to mid-June. As fall approaches, bulls compete for females during the mating season or "rut." In early spring, bull elk shed their old antlers and begin growing new antlers. Mature bulls can grow a set of antlers in as little as 140 days. New antlers are covered in "velvet," a rich supply of blood and nerves that transports nutrients to the growing antlers. Once the antlers mature the velvet dies, and the antlers harden to bone. Bulls rub their antlers against trees and shrubs to remove the dried velvet. When they are rubbed on trees with resin or sap, antlers can darken. Antlers may have a lighter color variation if they are rubbed on light-colored bard, such as cottonwood, willow or aspen. Shed antlers can also become bleached by the sun. View looking west across the National Elk Refuge at the Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Hole is a historical wintering area for elk. Competition between elk and cattle for limited winter food became so great that hundreds of elk starved to death in severe winters such as 1908-1909. Land development, poaching and dusk hunting added to the difficulty and by 1909 the Jackson Hole herd was facing drastic reduction in numbers. Some came to realize that "the Elk Herd is the greatest single thing about the valley. Its history is that of the valley, and to a very real extent so is its fate." Today, the National Elk Refuge provides winter range for the herd of approximately 7,500 elk that winter on the refuge. When conditions are such that the elk cannot get adequate natural forage, supplemental feed is provided. An all-out campaign began to save the elk herd. Ranchers, townspeople and other concerned citizens donated hay while others gave time and labor to help feed the starving animals. The U.S. Congress appropriated funds to help feed the elk and purchase critical elk winter range. On Aug. 10, 1912 Congress authorized the establishment of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole. View across the National Elk Refuge from the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson, Wyoming
Joyce took this picture of the National Elk Refuge from the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson, Wyoming. Click here for more Wyoming travellogsUntil next time remember how good life is. More Wyoming AdventuresSome Utah Adventures ** More 2011 Travel Adventures
Mike & Joyce Hendrix
Mike & Joyce Hendrix who we are We hope you liked this page. If you do you might be interested in some of our other Travel Adventures: Mike & Joyce Hendrix's home page Travel Adventures by Year ** Travel Adventures by State ** Plants ** Marine-Boats ** Geology ** Exciting Drives ** Cute Signs ** RV Subjects ** Miscellaneous Subjects
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