JACKSON, Wyo. — A new study is about to begin near the National Elk Refuge, as the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service join forces to track the Jackson Elk Herd. This will ultimately allow wildlife managers to monitor herd health and fine-tune hunting limits.

During the winter, about 80% to 90% of the Jackson Elk Herd is supplementally fed at state feedgrounds or on the refuge. According to a Tuesday news release from WGFD, the elk make up one herd in the winter, but they split into four different migration segments in the spring to head back to summer ranges.

Over the next several weeks, a helicopter will be used and a professional wildlife capture crew will capture and collar elk in and around the refuge. WGFD stated that the timing will be dependent on weather conditions. Cow elk will be captured using a net from the helicopter, and bull elk will be darted. The capture team will collect biological samples and attach GPS collars before releasing the elk.

“By collaring a random sample of the herd, wildlife managers will be able to track the number of elk that came from each area when they return in the winter, monitor survival rates for each segment and adjust hunting practices to help maintain a balanced herd,” WGFD said in the statement.

Map illustrating migration of the four separate herd segments, along with the approximate capture area surrounding the National Elk Refuge. Image: WGFD

When elk leave the National Elk Refuge in the spring, their migration distances vary. Some travel more than 60 miles to the Teton Wilderness or Yellowstone National Park. Some migrate medium distances to Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) or the Gros Ventre Mountain Range. WGFD pointed out that a growing number of elk have begun to travel shorter distances to spend their summers in southern GTNP or on private lands south of the park.

“Decades of research have established a strong foundation of knowledge about the Jackson Elk Herd,” WGFD said. “However, these existing data are insufficient to guide management under today’s changing conditions. This new study will build on the foundation to better understand and manage the herd.”

Informative signs will be in place around the National Elk Refuge and staff will be available to answer questions during the elk collaring study, per WGFD.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.