Why Wyoming’s Elk Feed Grounds Are Essential for Wildlife Conservation

Elk feed grounds play a critical role in the health and sustainability of Wyoming’s wildlife. This became even more apparent after the brutal 2022-2023 winter, which saw record snowfall and harsh conditions. Without these feed grounds, the impact on elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope would have been devastating.

At SNS Outfitter & Guides, we firmly believe that Wyoming’s elk feed grounds must be protected and maintained for the future of both wildlife and hunting.

The History of Elk Feed Grounds in Wyoming

When people hear "elk feed grounds," they often think of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming. However, there are also 22 state-run feed grounds managed by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.

The origins of elk feeding date back to the early 1900s. A particularly harsh winter drove thousands of starving elk onto ranchers' lands, where they raided haystacks meant for cattle. This not only caused significant financial losses for ranchers but also led to mass elk die-offs due to starvation.

In response, ranchers began feeding elk the following winter, hoping to prevent further losses and keep elk from mingling with cattle. This practice evolved into organized feeding programs, leading to the establishment of the National Elk Refuge and, later, the state-managed feed grounds we rely on today.

These feed grounds don’t just support Wyoming’s elk population—they also protect mule deer and pronghorn from increased competition for winter forage. Without them, elk would move into critical mule deer winter ranges, further stressing already vulnerable populations.

Elk Feeding and Disease Management

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Wyoming’s elk feed grounds is the spread of disease, particularly:

• Brucellosis: Common in western Wyoming elk herds, this bacterial disease causes cattle to abort calves—a major concern for the livestock industry. Elk feeding helps prevent mingling between elk and cattle, reducing the risk of transmission.
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Although CWD has not yet been detected on Wyoming’s elk feed grounds, it remains a significant future concern. However, data shows that CWD infection rates in elk are much lower than in deer. For example:
  • Elk in eastern Wyoming (Laramie Peak & Sybille Canyon): 3-7% infection rate.
  • Mule deer & whitetail deer in the same areas: 40-48% infection rate.

Interestingly, the Laramie Peak elk herd—one of Wyoming’s largest—continues to thrive, contradicting fears that feed grounds promote disease outbreaks.

What Happens if Wyoming Stops Feeding Elk?

If Wyoming were to shut down its elk feed grounds, the consequences would be catastrophic for multiple species:

• Elk would invade mule deer winter ranges, worsening competition for already limited resources.
• Mule deer populations—already struggling—would face further decline.
• More elk would starve, leading to reduced herd numbers and a drastic cut in hunting opportunities.
• Public land hunting in western Wyoming would be severely impacted, affecting both residents and outfitters.

The Numbers: Why Elk Feeding Matters

Wyoming's total elk population is estimated at 113,000 animals.

• The National Elk Refuge feeds an average of 7,500 elk each winter.
• State-run feed grounds support 15,000 elk annually.
• An estimated 80% of western Wyoming’s elk rely on supplemental feed for survival.

This means that 20% of all elk in Wyoming depend on these feed grounds. If feeding were eliminated, tens of thousands of elk would struggle to survive, directly affecting hunting, tourism, and the balance of Wyoming’s ecosystems.

The Fight to Protect Wyoming’s Elk Feed Grounds

Despite the clear benefits, radical environmental groups have launched lawsuits aiming to reduce or eliminate Wyoming’s elk feeding program. These efforts threaten wildlife conservation, hunting opportunities, and the state’s long-standing tradition of responsible game management.

We strongly oppose these efforts and believe Wyoming citizens support healthy elk populations—not just for hunting, but for wildlife viewing, tourism, and conservation.

How You Can Help

To support efforts to protect Wyoming’s elk feed grounds, consider donating to Wyoming Outfitters & Guides Association (WYOGA).

🔹 Every donation helps fight against policies that could devastate Wyoming’s wildlife.
🔹 Your support ensures the future of our elk herds, hunting opportunities, and conservation efforts.

Join the Fight to Protect Wyoming’s Wildlife

📩 Email us: sns@huntwyo.com
📞 Call us: 307-266-4229