THE Senior Traveller hears of some interesting and “out-there” festivals – and Elkfest ranks up there with the best.
The action-packed weekend of outdoor activities and events in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is designed to celebrate and benefit the herd of world-famous elk that winters in Jackson Hole’s National Elk Refuge.
Every year, thousands of elk in the refuge shed their antlers before migrating to summer ranges. The antlers are collected by local Scouts to be sold at the Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction in the town square.
This year’s event will be held on May 20-21. The money raised goes to long-term projects such as improved habitat, irrigation, or equipment to help out the elk and the refuge.
The antlers are made into furniture, wall decorations, jewellery and are even used in food products.
Thousands of elk spend the winter sheltering in the refuge, established in 1912 after the photography of Stephen Leek inspired public interest in preserving part of the range for the elk population.
The elk begin their migration out of the high meadows in the fall, usually after the first snow storm. They stay in the refuge through to spring, when food becomes more abundant.
From mid-December through early April you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride among the herd.
