Hello, shed hunters!
Thank you for checking in for updates to the Jackson Hole Shed Hunt motorcade.
Due to the success of the application process in 2022, we plan to keep a similar process for the 2023 Shed Hunt. Changes to the 2023 application are as follows:
- Vehicle information is no longer required on the application, nor will participants be required to identify the car they are bringing.
- Participants will now be asked for a valid driver’s license or ID card number and state information.
- Participants filling out an application will now be required to show their DL/ID at line-up to validate their spot in the motorcade.
- Any participants who plan to use the Teton County Fairground services for horse stalls are asked to make reservations now so staff can ensure enough stalls are set up.
Two other things to note that will not affect the application for 2023, but will likely alter the 2024 Shed Hunt and beyond:
- Wyoming HB 123: Collection of Shed Antlers passed both the House and Senate. If signed into law, non-residents will not be allowed to participate in the Shed Hunt opener in Wyoming but will have to wait until May 4. Please see the attached link for further- https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2023/HB0123
- Beginning in 2024, there will be a $20 application fee assessed at the time of submission for each application processed.
Please keep in mind the following special dates:
April 1, 2023: Application release to join the motorcade (AT 700 AM)
April 15, 2023: Application closes
April 16, 2023: Motorcade position response emails begin to be distributed
May 1, 2023: Shed hunt opening (AT 600 AM)
The 2023 Shed Hunt Application will be available at the top of this information page April 1,2023.
Be sure to refresh your web browser at 700 AM to have the links load properly in order to filled out.
Thank you all and good luck!
Contact:
Sgt. Jeromie Traphagan
2023 ELK ANTLER SHED HUNT INFORMATION
May 1st traditionally marks the opening of the elk antler shed collection. The Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (National Elk Refuge) have specific regulations surrounding shed collecting and access to areas of shed collection. Please visit their individual websites for additional information on the Elk Antler Shed Hunt Information.
2023 Town of Jackson - Staging and Line-Up Information
To make the process of getting participants to public land in an orderly fashion, with as much fairness as possible, the Jackson Police Department (JPD) has developed an online application for all escorted participants to complete. As in years past, participants will be placed in a sequential order and then lead via motorcade fashion by a marked JPD car to the Elk Refuge Road. The National Elk Refuge Road and shed antler collection will remain closed until 0600 hours on May 1, 2023.
Individuals participating in the motorcade should be aware of the process:
- Participant position in the motorcade will be determined by your timeliness to submit the online application. The earlier you complete and submit the form, the better spot you get.
- The motorcade will depart from the Teton County Fairgrounds at approximately 0600 hours on May 1; however, no overnight parking will be allowed until line-up time.
- The Teton County Fairgrounds will have horse stalls for rent. Please contact the Teton County Fairgrounds to make arrangements (307-733-5289).
- Participant line-up will not begin until April 30, 2023 at 0800 hours, so there will be no need to show up multiple days ahead of time.
- The application form will be accessible April 1st through April 15, 2023. Anyone who does not apply by April 15 will not be given a designated position in the motorcade.
- All participants wanting first access to the Bridger-Teton National Forest on May 1, 2023 via the National Elk Refuge Road with the JPD motorcade must complete all blank fields on the application and submit the application prior to April 15.
- After completing and submitting your application, an automated message will be sent to the email address you provide to inform you the form was accepted. Please ensure the email address is valid.
- Participants must register their driver’s license or ID number with the issuing state. The applicant must then present their DL/ID during lineup to claim their position in the motorcade. Failure to present the proper DL/ID will void the applicants spot in the motorcade.
- Participants who submitted an application will be emailed again between the dates of April 16-April 29, 2023 to advise them of their position in the motorcade and the timeframe to arrive at the Teton County Fair Grounds parking lot for placement.
- Participants who fail to arrive during their line-up timeframe will forfeit their spot in the motorcade.
- Overnight vehicle camping is prohibited in all public parking lots and on all public streets within the Town of Jackson; however, this will not apply to motorcade participants on the night of April 30.
- Antler hunters wishing to stall their horses prior to the opening antler collection hunt are asked to contact the Teton County Fair Office at (307) 733-5289 to make advanced reservations. If advanced stall reservations cannot be made, antler hunters are asked to put $20 (cash or check) in the honor box located outside the Fair Office. Please clean your stall(s) after use; rakes and wheelbarrows are available near the manure dump on the west side of the Grassy Area (map below).
For additional information about staging at the Teton County Fairground parking lot prior to the Elk Shed please call Sgt. Jeromie Traphagan with the Jackson Police Department at (307) 733-1430 or email shedhunt@jacksonwy.gov
2023 Bridger Teton National Forest - Jackson Ranger District Safety Information
- GRIZZLY AND BLACK BEAR ACTIVITY has increased in this area. Special food storage regulations are in effect and apply to much of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (all of Buffalo Ranger District and all of Jackson Ranger Districts. In the interest of safety for people and bears, keep a clean camp and keep attractants unavailable to bears, Place your coolers in the cab of your truck or in a hard sided trailer. A cooler or any attractant left out and in the open is a food Storage violation and you may be cited.
- BE EXTRA CAREFUL WITH CAMPFIRES. Choose an established site with a preexisting fire ring. Never leave your fire unattended. Completely extinguish your fire at night and before you leave camp. Have plenty of water available to put out your fire. If there is any heat, your fire is not out and may ignite again in the afternoon heat. Any individual leaving a fire left unattended may be cited.
- All MOTOR VEHICLE USE MUST OCCUR ON DESIGNATED ROUTES, take the time to look at the Maps posted on the information kiosks at the forest boundaries. The Map displays what routes are open to motor vehicle use, when routes are open, and what class of vehicle is permitted (full-size vehicles, ATVs, or motorcycles). Maps are available on the BTNF website. Your cooperation will help protect road and trail surfaces, reduce resource impacts, and retain the abundance and diversity of wildlife Jackson Hole is known for. All ATV’s and OHV, must have a Wyoming state Sticker to operate on Forest Roads, know what roads or open, ask for a map when your purchase your state Sticker!
- CAMPING LENGTH OF STAY IS LIMITED. The maximum length of occupancy at any site is five days on the Jackson and Blackrock Ranger Districts from May 1 – Labor Day. Camping is prohibited in the Snake River corridor (except in developed campgrounds) and in areas near the towns of Jackson and Wilson. After 5 days, a minimum of 30 days is required before returning to another campsite on the districts. This regulation is meant to give everyone an opportunity to use the area.
- TRASH AND HUMAN WASTE. Undeveloped forest areas have no bathrooms or garbage facilities. Please don’t burn glass and metal in your campfire. Pack it out. Dig cat holes to bury human waste at least 100 feet from water sources. Leaving exposed human waste and toilet paper is unsanitary and ruins the experience for others.
- PLAY, CLEAN, GO. Help prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals. Clean your vehicle and gear before entering and when leaving the area. Use only certified weed-free hay.