Elk refuge to release more hunting permits
From staff reports, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
November 15, 2008
The National Elk Refuge will release additional elk permits for both the north and south units from Nov. 16 through the end of the refuge elk hunting season on Dec. 5, refuge officials announced today.
Refuge manager Steve Kallin made the decision to issue the extra alternate permits because many elk have avoided the refuge so far this hunting season resulting in decreased harvest.
Elk migration onto the refuge has increased slightly in recent days. Approximately 855 elk were counted on the refuge earlier this week, compared to 1,653 elk during the same week in 2007. By Nov. 6, only 11 percent of the radio-collared elk likely to winter on the refuge were on or adjacent to the south end of the refuge. At the same time last year, 42 percent of the radio-collared elk had arrived on the refuge.
Officials say elk have access to more forage on surrounding summer ranges this year than years past. On the National Elk Refuge forage production was 30 percent higher this year compared to 2007. More forage likely remains in Grand Teton National Park this year, resulting in a later migration of elk from the park.
The limited numbers of elk on the refuge to date isn’t all bad news. Refuge managers hope to preserve forage on the south end of the refuge to delay the onset of supplemental feeding, which researchers say exacerbates the spread of diseases like brucellosis. “The hunters we’ve had in the field have been very effective in keeping elk off the south unit for long periods of time,” Kallin said. “It’s helped us meet an important objective of conserving forage for the critical winter months.”
Seventy scheduled alternate permits will still be available this weekend for the hunt period of Nov. 29 through Dec. 5, with 35 permits valid for Monday through Friday and 35 permits valid for Wednesday through Friday.
Any additional alternate elk permits offered will not be made available on a fixed schedule. They will be allotted based on hunter success and the timing of the elk migration; consequently, the number of permits and dates they are available will vary.
South unit alternate elk permits have not been issued so far this season but may also be offered as conditions change. Hunters interested in obtaining an alternate elk permit for either the north or south unit should periodically check the online system for availability.
To check for availability or to apply for National Elk Refuge North or South Unit elk hunting permits, visit the refuge’s web site at www.fws.gov/nationalelkrefuge and click on the heading, “Direct link to apply for elk hunting permits.”
