If it's a Jackson Hole Winter, the Elk Are Inviting You to Come Visit Them!Jackson Hole winter can be tough on the wildlife, since so much of their food supply is buried. There is a large tract of land just outside of Jackson that naturally gets less snow cover. Lucky for us (and the elk) this acreage has been dedicated since 1912 as the National Elk Refuge for the wintering elk herd. It is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. In late Fall, you can see them making their way to their very own mountain rendezvous near Jackson. They will jump over tall fences to get there. It's a party, I tell ya! The winter herd numbers in the thousands (8000 animals in 2007-2008!)...the largest concentrated winter herd in the world. The refuge also serves as a haven for birds, fish and other animals as well, including a significant bison herd. In April and May, as the snows recede, the herd disperses to summer ranges in Teton and Yellowstone Parks as well as into the Bridger-Teton National Forest/Wilderness Area. Horse-drawn sleighs will take visitors out into the middle of the herd. As long as everyone stays on the sleigh, these animals are unconcerned and oblivious to human intruders. They get skittish if you step off though. So, don't and you will get extremely close, observing and photographing them. You can purchase tickets at the Visitor Center, at 532 N. Cache St. in Jackson, and take a shuttle to the sleigh boarding area. Tickets cost $16/adult, $12 for kids 5-12, and free under age 5. Private sleighs (16-18 people) are $300. Trips are between 10 AM and 4 PM daily and are loaded on a first-come, first-serve basis. They can accommodate those with disabilities too. Groups greater than 20 people can reserve a time. If snow is too sparse for sleighs, wagons are used instead. Your guide will be informative and will allow time for stopping and photography. Dress warmly, including hats and gloves, because this is open land and the wind can make a Jackson Hole winter very chilly.
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