Below is a news release from the National Elk Refuge.
Come winter, the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming, is home to over 8,000 elk. In early spring, male elk drop their antlers so they can rebuild for the coming year. Generally, each antler will drop on the same day or even at the same time. Elk often seem dizzy and playfully dance as they shed their heavy antlers. The big bulls seem to relish being free from the more than 20 pound load they carry on their heads. By April, thousands of pounds of antler sheds are scattered about the Elk Refuge.
Together with the staff and volunteers of the National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole Boy Scouts are allowed a special use permit to collect antlers. For the past 52 years the scouts have auctioned these antlers at the Jackson Hole Elkfest. This year, efforts to keep this annual event going in the safest way possible have led scouts to choose an online platform to give people far and wide the opportunity to bid on these magnificent antlers. Please register to participate in this fantastic opportunity to support scouting and the National Elk Refuge.
Proceeds from this auction benefit the National Elk Refuge’s forage enhancement program (75%). The remaining proceeds benefit the local scouts’ fees to the local council, day camps, camporees, Pinewood Derby, Eagle Scout activities and many other scout needs (25%).
Go here to view items and register.
(Photo source: National Elk Refuge)