May 1st is the traditional opening of the elk antler shed hunt. For individuals coming to Jackson to stage for this event prior to the opening, certain restrictions should be observed.
Overnight camping in vehicles on city streets in the Town of Jackson is prohibited. Overnight parking will be prohibited along East Broadway Avenue near the entrance to the Elk Refuge Road and in surrounding residential neighborhoods prior to the opening of the Elk Refuge Road.
The Town of Jackson is requesting that antler collectors who choose to travel to Jackson for the opening of the antler shed hunt proceed to the west side of the Teton County Fairgrounds parking area.
Members of the Jackson Police Department will be available on site between 6:00 am today until 6:00 am Saturday. There will be port-o-potties and a trash receptacle available for antler collectors to utilize.
The Police will be able to provide additional information including current health orders and safety requirements while staging for this event. There will also be additional elk shed information available at this location.
At approximately 5:45 am Saturday, vehicles lined up at the fairgrounds will proceed to the Elk Refuge led by police escort. Participants in this procession will be allowed first access onto the Elk Refuge. Meanwhile, the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued a temporary special order that allows access to critical winter range at 6:00 am Saturday to align the opening time at the National Elk Refuge.
- National Elk Refuge February 2026 Biological Update: Mild Winter Persists in Jackson Hole - February 9, 2026
- Wyoming Game and Fish Hosts Workshops on Elk Feedground Management Action Plans - February 9, 2026
- Jackson Town Council Considers Unmet Housing Grant Application for S4 Flats on January 20th - January 20, 2026