Jackson Hole Shed Antler Run
For those of you who are familiar with the annual shed hunting run in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you will get a kick out of these photos. As you can see from the photos below, it can get pretty crazy. Justin R Williams took the time to travel to Jackson Hole and get his chance at shed hunting on forest land that borders the elk refuge. This special area where a lot of elk winter is closed off to the public from December until May 1st, therefore no shed hunting until May 1st.
Here is some great commentary from Justin along with his photos of his Jackson Hole Shed Antler Run! Click on photos for a bigger image.
May first is the opening of the public land(National forest Land that borders the National Elk Refuge), Elk Refuge land is off limits all year long except for the road that passes through it. After May 1st you can drive up to the National Forest land any time until season closer in December. There are antlers all over up there, all year long if you look for them. The line up happens only on the opening day and has gained popularity over the past few years. This year we talked to some guys at the front of the line that were there 3 days before to wait in line!!! Most people are from Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah, even saw plates from colorado, Oregon, and Arizona!! Lots of horse trailers, about half of the line had horses this year. There were about 200 vehicles in line Monday morning when the gate opened. When the gate opens you have to stay on the road until you leave the Refuge boundary before you can get out. It is illegal to walk on Refuge property, there are antlers on the side of the road through the boundary but only for decoration, because you can’t stop to pick them up. Most people are there for the opening of the gate experience and top it off hopefully with a load of antlers during the first day of the run
Well I made it again up to the Jackson Hole antler run. We got there at 10 am the day before and were 88th in line!! The usual crowd of horses and foot people. There was plenty of excitement waiting in line, the drunk folks, horses running wild and what not. I met the Teton County Sheriff and visited with him while he was assessing the crowd. I froze during the 26 degree morning and the exhaust from vehicles warming up and the whiff of the portapotty nearby about did me in. Excietment in the air at 8 am opening morning was fun and we hauled butt up the mountain. I was able to scrounge up two six pointsand a two point moose bone. It was alot of fun. The other guys I was with came home empty handed, so I guess I was lucky. Here are a few pics to share.
Front Line of the Refuge
Back of the line, Jasons truck on the left, the big ol muley
The Tetons
Buried Treasure!
From both Ends, Moose treasure!!
The lucky dog!!
10 comments May 3rd, 2006
