Grand Teton elk reduction program starts November 14
Grand Teton National Park will hold its annual elk reduction program from November 14 through December 6 in designated parts of Elk Hunt Area 75.
What this means for your visit
Area 75 will remain open to visitors while permitted participants harvest elk. Visitors entering the program area are strongly encouraged to wear bright colors to increase visibility.
The Antelope Flats portion of Area 75 will be closed to program participants throughout the season. The Snake River bottom from Deadman’s Bar to Ditch Creek also will be closed to participants.
National Park Service and Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel will patrol the area, monitor compliance and share information about program rules and bear safety.
Background
The agencies authorized 40 permits for 2026. Area 75 is the only area open for this year’s program, and harvest is limited to cows and calves.
Participants must have a Wyoming license for Elk Hunt Area 75, a conservation stamp, an elk special management permit, a 2026 park program permit and a hunter education card. These documents are required regardless of a participant’s age.
Program rules require non-lead ammunition and fluorescent orange or pink clothing. Participants also must keep unexpired bear spray readily available in a container holding 7.9 ounces or more. Bows, handguns, rifles that do not use centerfire ammunition and artificial elk calls are not allowed.
The park conducts the program with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department under authority provided by Grand Teton’s 1950 enabling legislation. The agencies determined that the 2026 program is needed to keep the elk herd at its population target and support the intended distribution of elk.
Every elk head harvested in the park must be submitted at the designated Moose drop-off site. Park staff remove lymph nodes for chronic wasting disease testing by the Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Health Lab. Participants can view results online.
Source: National Park Service news release, November 6, 2026.
