Elk Refuge
In the early 1900s, severe winters with deep, crusted snow also took
a serious toll on the wintering elk in the Jackson region. The refuge was created in 1912 as a result of public interest in the survival of the Jackson elk herd.
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Bob Wharff and Mitch King
Bob Wharff introduces U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional
Director Mitch King. King was gracious in accepting the donated hay
for the refuge, telling the crowd he understands the mission of the
refuge and pledged that the refuge will take care of the elk.
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Pledge of Allegiance
The hunters first gathered to recite the Pledge of Allegiance before beginning the rally and press conference Saturday.
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Strong Support
Hunters demonstrated their strong support for the refuge and for
Wyoming’s elk feedgrounds, noting that the feeding program is under attack.
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Senator Kit Jennings
District 28 Senator Kit Jennings of Casper was credited with coming
up with the idea to host a “hay day” to get hay to the elk while getting the message across that letting elk starve is not an option hunters will put up with.
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Feedground Supporters
Stuart and Clark Allan of Jackson walk with Pavillion outfitter BJ
Hill during Saturday’s event. Clark Allan, who serves on the Wyoming
Game and Fish Commission, was vocal in his criticism of management of the elk refuge after last year’s calf starvation.
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Trucks full of hay
The parking lot at the Teton County Fairgrounds soon became full with
truckloads of hay.
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Police Escort
The Jackson Police Department provided a police escort for the hay caravan, right through downtown Jackson and on to the refuge.
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Going to hay barn
Loads of hay traveled past the historic Miller home on the National
Elk Refuge en route to the hay barn.
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Barry Reiswig
National Elk Refuge Manager Barry Reiswig directs a truck to back into the hayshed, while FWS regional director Mitch King awaits the next load to throw bales.
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Unloading bales
National Elk Refuge Manager Barry Reiswig (in vest and hat) helps
unload bales. That’s Steve Meadows and Clark Allan to the left.
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Money for more hay
Members of the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association contributed
$500 to purchase hay, while the Sublette County Outfitters and Guides
Association put up another $560. Shown are Maury Jones of Grover,
Grant Stambaugh and John Barrus of Cody, presenting the checks to
Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife executive director Bob Wharff.
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Bull Elk
Bull elk graze on the National Elk Refuge on a snowy afternoon.
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