Refuge And Grand Teton Elk hunt Down From 2010

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Abundant forage and fewer hunting permits resulted in a lower elk harvest on the National Elk Refuge and in Grand Teton National Park this fall.

Refuge managers estimate that hunters killed about 100 elk this year, compared with 242 animals last year. That’s a decline of nearly 60 percent.

However, refuge officials say last year’s harvest was exceptionally high.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports (http://bit.ly/u7eI4e) that the average elk harvest from 2007 to 2009 was 135 elk.

In Grand Teton National Park, the elk reduction program harvest fell from 340 animals last year to 275 animals this year, a decline of roughly 19 percent.

Refuge and park officials stress that not all hunters have turned in their reports, and this year’s harvest numbers will likely increase some.