The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the National Elk Refuge staff have determined it is not time yet to begin supplemental feeding of the herd on the refuge.
The agencies cooperatively monitor refuge snow and forage conditions to determine when supplemental feeding is necessary. Typically, when average available forage declines to 300 pounds per acre at key index sites, supplemental feeding is initiated.
As of January 27th, average available forage was 458 pounds per acre. Conditions will be evaluated again early next week. Historically, the average feeding start date on the Refuge is January 26th.
Complicating the decision this year is the discovery of a cow elk in Grand Teton National Park last December with chronic wasting disease.
Although CWD will be present in the Jackson Elk Herd and on the National Elk Refuge whether supplemental feeding occurs or not, some biologists say feeding is very likely to amplify CWD transmission and make the effects of the disease worse over time.
However, others suggest that elk density and disease risk associated with supplemental feeding is no different than what typically occurs when elk congregate in large groups on native winter range.
- 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