Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Elk Refuge - Jackson Hole

Search

Elk Refuge - Jackson Hole

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 16th, 2010, 12:02 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Elk Refuge - Jackson Hole

Is the Elk Refuge near to Jackson Hole open in the summer? I found various information on the elk being there in the winter, but nothing about the summer time. Is any elk (or any other wildlife)present there in the summer? Thanks
xyz99 is offline  
Old Oct 17th, 2010, 11:28 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello xyz99

No elk in town during the summer. They come down for winter.

Lots of info on the Refuge website, not only about the elk but other wildlife in the area:
http://www.fws.gov/nationalelkrefuge...ifeViewing.htm

Happy travels!
swisshiker is offline  
Old Oct 17th, 2010, 04:20 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
xyz,

If you are going up to the Tetons and Yellowstone in the summer, you will see plenty of elk.

As swisshiker says, they are only out on the Natl Elk Refuge lands during the winter when they are fed.
Dayle is offline  
Old Oct 17th, 2010, 05:14 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Swisshiker, Dayle
I now you’ve helped me before when planning other trips (can’t remember which one, but I know we’ve “met” before), and now you are helping again. Thanks a lot.
Yes, we’ll be going to both YS and the Tetons, so glad to hear we’ll see elk in the parks. Looking forward to seeing lots of wildlife
xyz99 is offline  
Old Oct 18th, 2010, 05:24 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,204
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 1 Post
Other than bison who seem to pose all day, most wildlife seems to be out at dawn and dusk. Not a rule but in general.
Myer is offline  
Old Oct 19th, 2010, 05:23 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Myer,
Sounds good - we'll do wildlife at dusk, and geysers during the day. Not sure about my ability to be up at dawn
xyz99 is offline  
Old Oct 19th, 2010, 06:24 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
xyz,

If you really want to be certain of seeing elk, go up to the Mammoth Hot Springs. They love the grass around the lodge and other old park buildings (used to be the headquarters of Yellowstone). Pretty much hang out there on the grass by the dozens. Cows, calves and young bulls.

But you will see whole herds elsewhere. Be sure to take bioculars or a spotting scope. Dawn and dusk is the best as Myer said.

Myer - I saw a pine martin in Yellowstone last month!!!
Dayle is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2010, 03:01 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dayle,
Thanks for the tip. My first reaction is to say “I want to see it all, not just elk”, but I know that will not be possible. I will try to see as much as possible…and elk definitely sounds doable. Well…”seeable”.

I also had to google the pine marten, since I’ve never heard of one. Cute little creature, maybe I’ll be lucky to see one too. Although, a bear and/or a wolf would be better. Far enough to be safe, but close enough for a good picture. Is that possible?
xyz99 is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2010, 06:50 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
xyz,

You are much more likely to see bear and wolves in Yellowstone than a pine martin. They are very solitary and people shy. I've been going to the Natl Parks frequently all my life and had never seen one until this fall! Myer goes to Yellowstone once and get a great picture.....

Largest and most aggressive member of the weasel family. They eat pretty much anything and have some pretty good claws for climbing.
Dayle is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wama4040
United States
5
Oct 31st, 2010 03:07 PM
bgsnmky
United States
7
Jan 7th, 2009 07:21 PM
Big_Daddy
United States
6
Apr 5th, 2005 06:54 PM
RonS
United States
4
Aug 20th, 2004 04:58 AM
BOB
United States
9
May 28th, 2002 11:08 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -