History of The National Elk Refuge Near Jackson Hole
Centuries ago, elk could be found in abundance throughout much of the continent. As human settlement began to spread across North America, these majestic animals were forced out of their homes into more remote regions such as mountains and foothills - an example that demonstrates our ever-changing relationship with nature.
People in Jackson Hole, Wyoming experienced a unique treat during the late 1800s and early 1900s - observing elk herds from sleigh rides. As locals became aware of these majestic creatures nearby, they eagerly boarded their carriages to revel in this wintertime wonderland.
In 1912, a refuge was established in response to the growing fascination with animals around Jackson Hole. Due to its immense popularity and success, sleigh rides began being offered as tours for public enjoyment in 1965. Nowadays it encompasses nearly 25,000 acres of elk winter range - making it one of the only remaining habitats left near Jackson Hole.
In the early 1900s, an initiative was launched to safeguard what remained of an elk herd and boost their numbers. This effort eventually led to the purchase of Miller homestead by the federal government for $45,000 at which point it became a refuge - protecting wildlife for generations to come.
Who Manages The National Elk Refuge?
The roughly 25,000 acres of refuge is overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a division of the nation's Department of Interior, ensuring remarkable habitats are preserved for future generations to enjoy!
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is an important part of the United States Department of the Interior, preserving and protecting numerous species and their habitats for future generations. By managing wildlife populations with careful oversight and prudent conservation practices, this agency ensures we can continue to enjoy a healthy ecosystem in years to come.
Their mission is “working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.”
United States Department of the Interior (DOI)
The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) serves as a key player in executing critical initiatives for our nation. Located at 1849 C Street NW, Washington D.C., this executive department ensures that we are able to enjoy natural wonders and related activities not just today - but far into the future!
The Department of the Interior was established in 1849 to responsibly manage and protect most federal lands, natural resources, and programs associated with Native Americans. This department holds oversight for nearly three-fourths of public land across the United States plus its territories - a monumental responsibility that has been provided since before the nation's inception.
The Department of the Interior, guided by its Secretary and a valued member of the President's Cabinet, serves as an integral part in providing expertise to shape policy decisions at highest levels. The Department of the Interior has a vast array of duties, from land conservation to supporting Native American communities—hence its moniker "the Department of Everything Else."
Where do the elk at The National Elk Refuge come from?
The National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole, proudly serves as a migratory home for elk from far away Yellowstone National Park. The wintertime grassy plains offer respite and protection to the herd, who seek solace in their comfortable atmosphere which contains less snow than neighboring regions.
As the weather warmed and native vegetation flourished in Yellowstone National Park, an estimated 25,000 elk returned to the region annually for their seasonal migration. Unfortunately this utopian landscape was short-lived; by the end of the 19th century, human disturbances such as hunting pressures from homesteaders and Native American tribes caused a rapid decline in numbers due to hostile living conditions and decreased food sources.
Some of the elk undertake a remarkable journey, traversing over 120 miles, they migrate from a southern portion of Yellowstone National Park to their refuge in Wyoming during the winter months. This awe-inspiring feat is surpassed only by pronghorn's trek between Green River basin and Jackson Hole, making the elk migration from southern Yellowstone National Park the second longest ungulate migration in the lower 48 states.
What do elk eat at The National Elk Refuge?
Jackson Hole is home to an impressive elk herd that has managed to survive through difficult winters due, in part, to a supplementary feeding program and lottery-based hunting permits. The Boy Scouts of America have played an active role since 1968 with their annual antler collection project - 75% of the proceeds from these auctions are used for irrigation projects designed to improve grassland conservation within Jackson Hole's refuge lands.
Visit The National Elk Refuge
The Refuge is an immense natural sanctuary that encompasses over 24,000 acres of grasslands, wetlands and forests - providing a remarkable array of habitats for plants and animals. It's cherished by wildlife watchers and photographers alike as well as those seeking to hunt, fish or gain educational experiences in nature. Conservation efforts are essential to protecting the refuge now so it can be appreciated by many generations into the future.
With sleigh rides during the winter months and plenty of opportunities to explore during the summer months, a visit to The National Elk Refuge is the perfect addition to any visit to Jackson, Wyoming.