JACKSON, Wyo. — On Sunday, March 20, the National Elk Refuge ended the supplemental elk feeding program for the 2021-2022 winter season.
Incrementally reducing supplemental feeding reliance on the federal public land follows the Refuge’s 2019 Step-Down Plan for Bison and Elk Management (Plan).
This season’s feeding ended approximately 14 days earlier than the long-term average end date.
The choice for the supplemental feeding to end early was based on several conditions as defined within the Plan. This included snowmelt, snowpack, available forage, elk behavior and coordination with Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
“We are committed to following our Step-Down Plan to reduce the reliance of elk and bison on supplemental feeding while working with our conservation partners to ensure healthy populations of these species into the future”, said Project Leader Frank Durbian.
Decreasing the supplemental feeding period may result in the dispersal of elk off the Refuge, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff understand this could lead to potential wildlife conflicts with livestock producers and urban areas. If elk are observed leaving the Refuge and creating conflicts, mitigation measures will be enacted. The public and partners can contact the National Elk Refuge at frank_durbian@fws.gov or 307-733-9212.
There are currently an estimated 11,000 elk and 500 bison in Wyoming’s Jackson herds. Approximately 7,000-8,000 elk and 300-500 bison typically spend the winter on the nearly 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge.
