Direct link to apply for north-unit elk hunting permits.

Complete information for hunting dates, permits, and regulations.

Sleigh Rides begin December 8, 2008

Refuge News

October 23, 2008
New Education program targets English Language Learners.

August 5, 2008
Special guest visits the historic Miller Ranch.

News Release and Refuge News Archive

 

 

Take a Virtual Tour of the National Elk Refuge and the

Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center.

The sun peaks over the Sleeping Indian, and its light creeps slowly across Jackson Hole. Light dances on newly formed hoar frost and creeps over bundles of fur and antlers starting to stir from a cold winter night. As the sun reaches the base of the Grand Teton, orange and yellow light bathes the landscape and 5,000 wintering elk. By ten o'clock, adventurous visitors braving the winter cold venture out on the refuge in horse drawn sleighs to get an up close view of these majestic animals.

Welcome to the National Elk Refuge, one of 548 National Wildlife Refuges throughout the country administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). The mission of the USFWS is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The National Elk Refuge works to provide, preserve, restore, and manage winter habitat for the nationally significant Jackson Elk Herd and habitat for endangered species, birds, fish, and other big game animals, and provide compatible human uses associated with the wildlife and wildlands.

Fun Facts

•  The Jackson elk herd was used as a nucleus herd to replenish other elk herds and elk re-introductions across the country.

•  The migration of the Jackson Hole Elk is the longest herd migration of elk in lower U.S.

•  It is winter range for the largest bison herd (more than 1,000) in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

•  It is the world's largest wintering concentration of elk with national and international significance.