The number of elk moving from Grand Teton National Park to the National Elk Refuge is up this year. About 700 bison moved from the park to the refuge between July 28 and Aug. 3, about three-quarters of the Jackson Hole herd. Refuge biologist Eric Cole says that he estimates that more bison will be on the refuge for the beginning of hunting season Wednesday than on any other opening day. Cole said more bison could be harvested during the hunting season as a result. However, he said the downside is bison are already consuming forage meant for winter. The 100-year-old refuge is under a court order to gradually phase out supplemental feeding and to ultimately reduce the size of the herd. Hunting continues periodically through Jan. 6.
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