National Elk Refuge ends supplemental feeding for 2016

The National Elk Refuge near Jackson has ended its supplemental feeding of elk and bison for the 2016 season.

Refuge Manager Steve Kallin said the decision was made in coordination with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The decision was based on an increase of snow-free areas due to melting, new grass growth, and warmer temperatures.

In addition to more natural forage available to elk and bison, elk were showing less interest in supplemental feed and were moving away from the feed-grounds. Refuge staff began to gradually reduce the amount of supplemental feed late last week.

This year’s feeding program was 64 days long. The starting date of January 30 was six days later than the previous ten-year average. The April 2 end date was two days earlier than average.

April 2 also marked the last day for winter sleigh rides on the National Elk Refuge. A record number of nearly 29,000 riders participated in the program this year.