Recent days and forecast
Next days
The 7-day forecast, hourly plan and an alert for this beach are in pre-sale.
See the pre-saleWhere to look
Search south-facing sagebrush slopes and the edges of aspen stands above the valley, where elk winter. On opening day competition is huge, so go higher and further than most people.
Species
elk (wapiti), mule deer, moose
Season: Elk shed from March to April, but public land opens on May 1. The first days of May are best, before the snow leaves the higher slopes.
Terrain: Bridger-Teton National Forest: sagebrush slopes, aspen and conifer forest
Rules and closures
On public land west of the Continental Divide, collecting sheds is banned from January 1 until 6:00 a.m. on May 1 (non-residents until 6:00 a.m. on May 8, with a conservation stamp), under Wyoming Game and Fish Chapter 61. The National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks are closed to collecting entirely.
About the area
Jackson Hole holds one of the largest elk wintering grounds in North America. After winter the bulls spread over the slopes of Bridger-Teton National Forest. The May 1 opening draws hundreds of collectors.
Do not miss the next window
The best windows last a few hours: after a storm, after rain, on a clear night with an active Sun. Sign up and we will email you when the index at your spots goes above 60.