Join us for Elkfest again in 2026!
Join us at Elkfest 2026 for the world’s largest annual auction of elk antlers, benefiting Scouting programs in western Wyoming and the National Elk Refuge. Elkfest is open to the public. But if you wish to bid at the live auction you must register.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Jackson Town Square
8:00 am until 12:00 pm
Auction starts at 10:00 am
Greetings Friends of World-Famous Scouting Antler Auction:
Thank you for your many years of enthusiastic support of Scouting and the elk of the National Elk Refuge. Since the 1967, our annual antler gathering on the National Elk Refuge have been a proud tradition, bringing together community and conservation, while supporting the Refuge and Scouting in a truly special way.
The Winter 2025–26 in Jackson Hole has been one of the mildest on record and now our spring conditions are reshaping the elk’s movement across Western Wyoming and this year’s antler harvest. The herd is exceptionally healthy, and many bull elk are holding onto their antlers longer than usual. At the same time, some bulls are moving off the Refuge earlier than in past years, and a significant number of moving back and forth between the Bridger Teton NF and the National Elk Refuge. That means that while the overall number of antlers may be lower this year, we expect some exceptionally large specimens.
Factors are contributing to this year’s outlook of fewer antlers for our Antler Auction
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- The Refuge saw an average of around 8,000 elk (similar to 2025), with a more spread out distribution across the valley floor and lower elevation hills. Winter supplemental feeding did not occur as conditions never warranted it this year.
- Reduced snowpack has provided abundant forage and attractive habitat conditions outside the Refuge.
- High bull survival rates mean we expect fewer skulls, including beetle cleaned.
- Antler growth for the coming season depends heavily on spring green‑up, and if spring moisture is strong, bulls emerging from winter in excellent condition are expected to produce impressive antler mass and tine length for next year.
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Currently, we are moving forward with great enthusiasm for our ElkFest events—including our Annual Antler Auction, the Scouting Expo, and private sales. These events remain a cornerstone of our Scouting support, and we will look forward to sharing another update after our April antler pickups.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable tradition. Your continued involvement makes a lasting difference for Scouting and wildlife conservation alike. Please don’t hesitate to email us at info@elkfest.org if you have any questions. We are looking forward to meeting up for another memorable year together.