Each spring, Jackson Hole hosts one of its most distinctive community events: the Jackson Hole elk antler auction. This long-running tradition brings together local organizations, visitors, and buyers to celebrate the area’s wildlife while supporting community projects. Known as the centerpiece of Elkfest, the auction highlights the connection between the town and the National Elk Refuge.
Understanding how the event works, who it benefits, and why it continues to thrive offers insight into one of Jackson’s most enduring traditions.
The Role of the National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge, located just outside Jackson, provides critical winter habitat for thousands of elk that migrate from surrounding areas. Each spring, as the elk shed their antlers naturally, these remains are collected by volunteers, many of them local Boy Scouts. The antlers are then prepared for the Jackson Hole elk antler auction.
This relationship ensures that the event is tied directly to wildlife management. By supporting the Refuge, the auction helps preserve land and resources for the animals. The natural cycle of antler shedding ensures sustainability, making it possible for the auction to continue year after year without disrupting the herd.
How the Auction Works
Elk antlers collected during spring are bundled and brought to Jackson’s Town Square, where the auction occurs. Buyers range from artisans to collectors and commercial vendors who use antlers for decorative items, furniture, and crafts.
Professional auctioneers lead the event, moving through different sizes and weights.
Participants bid competitively, and proceeds are split between the National Elk Refuge and the Boy Scouts. This creates a direct financial benefit for wildlife conservation and community programs.
Participants bid competitively, and proceeds are split between the National Elk Refuge and the Boy Scouts. This creates a direct financial benefit for wildlife conservation and community programs.
Community Involvement
Local participation is central to the success of the Jackson Hole elk antler auction. The Boy Scouts gather and organize the antlers, teaching responsibility and connecting younger generations to local traditions.
Businesses, residents, and organizations also support the event by sponsoring activities, providing entertainment, or donating resources. The result is an event that feels as much about community as it does about commerce.
Economic Impact
The auction draws buyers from across the country, sometimes internationally, creating a surge of economic activity in Jackson. Hotels, restaurants, and local shops benefit from the influx of visitors attending Elkfest.
The money raised by the auction itself can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. These funds directly support the National Elk Refuge and youth programs, showing how a single event can impact conservation and the local economy.
Elkfest and Complementary Events
The Jackson Hole elk antler auction is the centerpiece of Elkfest, a weekend festival celebrating the region’s connection to wildlife and outdoor traditions. In addition to the auction, Elkfest includes cultural exhibits, local food vendors, and outdoor gear sales.
These added elements create a festival atmosphere that extends beyond the bidding. Visitors can enjoy live music, meet local artisans, and learn more about the area’s history, making Elkfest one of the town’s most recognized annual events.
Buyers and Uses of Antlers
Buyers at the auction have different goals. Some purchase antlers for artistic projects, such as creating chandeliers, furniture, or sculptures. Others buy in bulk for resale or for use in supplements and pet products.
The diversity of uses ensures that nearly every antler collected finds a market. This demand keeps the auction competitive and helps maintain its importance as a consistent fundraiser.
The Iconic Town Square Setting
Jackson’s Town Square, with its famous antler arches, provides the setting for the auction. This location emphasizes the symbolic importance of antlers to the community. The arches themselves are constructed from thousands of elk antlers and serve as landmarks in the center of town.
Holding the auction in this space ties the event directly to Jackson’s identity. It also provides a central, accessible location that brings together locals and visitors for a shared experience.
The Auction’s Legacy and Future
The Jackson Hole elk antler auction has been held for decades, and its longevity demonstrates both community support and broader interest in the event. Each year, the auction reaffirms Jackson’s role as a town that values its wildlife and traditions.
Looking ahead, the event is expected to continue adapting to modern demands while staying true to its roots. The balance of conservation, community involvement, and commerce ensures that the tradition will remain a fixture in Jackson’s calendar.
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