Jackson Wyoming Elk Antler Auction

Each May, the Boy Scouts of America hold their Elk Antler Auction, selling off nearly five tons of antler gathered from the National Elk Refuge.

As spring arrives and bull elk shed their antlers, the Jackson District Boy Scouts begin preparing for the annual Elk Antler Auction, held on the Jackson town square on the third Saturday in May. The largest auction of its kind in the world, buyers, mainly craftsmen, gather from near and far to bid on antlers from the National Elk Refuge, which are then used to make everything from chandeliers and furniture to knives and belt buckles.

When it first began in 1968, the auction was simply a fundraiser for local Scouts. Since then, it has also become a service project, with most of the money (80%) returning to the Refuge for the winter feeding program, ensuring the Refuge is able to care for the herds that winter here, even in times of budget shortfalls and cutbacks. In return, the Refuge donates older, sun-bleached antlers to Jackson to repair the distinctive arch entryways to the town square.

When auction day arrives activity starts early, with the antlers being laid out in the square for inspection at 7:00 A.M. Once the actual auction begins at 10:00 A.M. bidding moves at a brisk pace, usually ending before noon. The fun doesn’t stop with the auction, though – other attractions include the Boy Scouts’ Expo, live music, games and educational booths, food and craft vendors and the Old Timer’s Picnic.