JACKSON, Wyo. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will end the supplemental feeding of elk and bison at the National Elk Refuge (NER) on Saturday, April 8.
The end of the 22/23 season has occurred nearly a month later than the previous year. The decision to end the supplemental feeding season is made in consultation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and is based on several conditions including snowmelt, snowpack, available forage and elk behavior.
This year’s end of supplemental feeding is consistent with the Refuge’s 2019 Step-down Plan for Bison and Elk Management to incrementally reduce supplemental feeding in an effort to reduce dependency on supplemental feed and change the winter elk distribution.
“We are committed to following our Step-down Plan to reduce the reliance of elk and bison on supplemental feeding while working with our community and conservation partners to ensure healthy populations of these species into the future,” said Project Leader Frank Durbian.
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 NER. Ending supplemental feeding may result in dispersal of elk off the Refuge sooner than a typical spring migration event. The USFWS understands this could lead to potential wildlife conflicts with livestock producers and urban areas. If members of the public or partners have questions, they are encouraged to contact the NER directly at frank_durbian@fws.gov or 307-733-9212.
