The 57th annual elk antler auction was held on Jackson’s Town Square, marking another successful year for this community event. This auction is a key part of the weekend-long ElkFest celebration, which takes place the Saturday before Memorial Day.
This year, 8,170 pounds of antlers were sold, a decrease from the 9,696 pounds sold in 2023. Despite the lower quantity, the average price per pound increased to $26.73, up from $22.53 last year. The auction raised a total of $218,421, with 140 registered bidders participating.
The success of the auction is largely due to the efforts of the National Elk Refuge staff and the Headwaters District Scouts. The Scouts contribute around 2,000 volunteer hours annually, preparing and managing the sale. They receive 25% of the proceeds, which support various Scout activities. The remaining 75% goes to the National Elk Refuge, funding habitat enhancement projects and operational needs.
