Elk are plentiful in Jackson Hole, however they are difficult to find and photograph during the bulk of the year. They are hunted in the fall both outside the park and inside some areas of Grand Teton National Park. Elk migrate long distances to reach the relative safety of the National Elk Refuge, but along the way face a gauntlet of dangers. Once in the middle of the Refuge, elk are safe until next year’s fall migration. A sure bet to see elk is in the winter, with between 7,000 and 10,000 elk on the National Elk Refuge. A sleigh ride takes visitors to the elk in the snow covered pastures.
Elk move to the open areas overnight to feed, then move back to the forests at first light. In April, they begin their migration back to their summer haunts, but at this time, they are on a much more leisurely pace. Most of the larger bulls will have already shed their antlers. In the fall, listen for their distinctive bugle. Your best chance to see elk in the fall is along the base of the Teton Range near Jenny Lake, String Lake, and Timbered Island.
