Antler Auction

Despite snow, cold, wind, and occasional glimpses of sun, the annual Antler Auction in Jackson, Wyoming, proceeded as usual today.

This was our third year participating in this event in Jackson’s town square.  Ranchers and outfitters come from neighboring states dressed in cowboy hats and dusters.  Hunters attired in camouflage walk among the piles of antlers.  And tourists attend to experience some flavor of the Old West.

Many of the antlers for sale were collected in March on the National Elk Refuge by Boy Scouts who earn 20% of the proceeds for their troop.  Scouts assist with the auction, as well as setting up games and obstacle courses to demonstrate their skills to visitors.

Antlers vs Horns

Our job, as naturalists, was to discuss skulls and explain the differences between antlers and horns.  “We thought the people here were promoting wildlife conservation,” a couple from Kansas told us.  “Why do they kill all these animals?”

Their question reminded us of a question we pose to tourists who come to the visitor center throughout the summer.  “How many animals do you think had to die to create those antler arches around the town square?” we ask.  Many are taken aback by the thought of hundreds or even thousands of elk sacrificed for these decorations.

But in reality, none died.  One difference between antlers and horns is that antlers, unlike horns, are shed each year and grow back by fall.  They are, as all hunters and many others know, a renewable resource.

Benefits

While a few of the animals at the auction had obviously been hunted, the majority of antlers available had been retrieved from the National Elk Refuge.  Harvesting antlers protects heavy duty equipment from damage as work is done on the Refuge.  And proceeds earned from the auction benefit the irrigation system that helps cultivate winter forage for elk.

The Antler Auction is a win-win situation that benefits the elk and is enjoyed by all ages!