Jackson Hole residents will see a focused elk reduction hunt begin in Grand Teton National Park on Nov. 14 and run through Dec. 6, according to a release cited by Buckrail. The National Park Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department said biological data shows the program is needed to maintain the elk herd at its population objective and achieve the desired elk distribution across the park.
Forty permits have been authorized for Area 75, which includes the Antelope Flats area and the Snake River bottom between Deadman’s Bar and Ditch Creek. Those two zones will be closed to hunting for the duration of the season, though the rest of the park will stay open to visitors. Park officials strongly encourage all visitors to wear bright orange or pink clothing while the hunt is underway.
Anyone hunting in Area 75 must carry a state hunting license for Elk Hunt Area 75, a conservation stamp, an elk special management permit, a 2026 park elk reduction program permit, and a hunter‑education card. Only female elk (cows) and calves may be harvested, and hunters are required to use non‑lead ammunition. Bear spray in cans of at least 7.9 ounces must be on hand, and archery equipment, handguns, non‑centerfire rifles and artificial elk calls are prohibited.
A key component of this year’s effort is chronic wasting disease (CWD) monitoring. Hunters must turn in the head of every elk harvested at a designated drop‑off site in Moose. Park personnel will collect lymph nodes for laboratory testing, and participants can check their results online.
While the hunt is active, the rest of Grand Teton National Park remains accessible for recreation, sightseeing and wildlife viewing. The park’s announcement emphasizes that the program is an “important management tool” that differs from traditional elk hunting programs, underscoring its role in preserving a balanced ecosystem that benefits both wildlife and the surrounding community.
What’s next: The elk reduction hunt opens on Nov. 14. Permits are limited to 40, so interested hunters should ensure they have all required documentation before the start date. The program concludes on Dec. 6, after which the park will compile CWD test results and evaluate herd data for future management decisions.
Sources: buckrail.com
