Elk harvest down at National Elk Refuge

Hunters reported killing fewer than half the typical number of elk at the National Elk Refuge near Jackson this year. Hunters reported killing 87 elk on the refuge this year. Hunters have killed an average of 180 elk a year on the refuge over the past dozen years. Last year's total was 110, which was the second-lowest total. Eric Cole is biologist on the refuge. He says it's possible that more reports will still come in from this year's hunt. Cole attributes this year's low harvest to late migration and animals getting smarter about a hunt on the elk refuge's south unit. Managers hope to reduce the wintering elk herd to 5,000 animals, down from about 7,700 that stayed there last winter.