The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Mountain‑Prairie Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Mountain-Prairie Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from April 1 to May 1, 2026. Comments, questions, concerns, or a request for a hard copy can be sent to: MountainPrairieNWRS@fws.gov.
Elk are shedding their antlers on and around the National Elk Refuge. People visiting or passing through the National Elk Refuge must note that it's illegal to take, collect, retrieve, possess, or transport any natural product, including shed antlers, from the Refuge at any time of the year. To learn more about where you can shed hunt, please visit this site.
Visit Us
We invite you to discover the 24,700+ acres of grasslands, wetlands, and forests conserved on the Refuge which support a diverse assembly of plants and animals. The Refuge is a premier location for wildlife watching and photography, as well as hunting, fishing, and educational opportunities. Through conservation efforts, the Refuge serves to benefit the people of today and future generations.
Plan Your Trip
- Are you visiting the National Elk Refuge in the winter? BOOK a winter sleigh ride!
- Looking for a narrated tour of the National Elk Refuge during your visit? Please follow the below links to listen to our available tours. Tours are currently available on Spotify.
Where Are The Elk?
Elk are typically visible on the Refuge from mid-December through early April. In late spring, elk begin migrating off the Refuge toward their summer ranges, following the receding snow line up to higher elevations in Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger Teton National Forest. From October through December, deepening snow cause the elk to seek food and shelter at lower elevations in Jackson Hole.
Location and Contact Information
Projects and Research
Refuge staff lead and collaborate on many different research and monitoring projects that pertain to wildlife conservation.
In 2019, the National Elk Refuge (Refuge) finalized a Bison and Elk Step-Down Plan (Step-Down Plan) that authorizes and provides management direction for bison and elk on the Refuge. The Step-Down Plan expired at the end of the 2024. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is continuing development of the draft Bison and Elk...