An early elk migration out of the National Elk Refuge might be partly to blame for a plunge in revenue from this year’s elk antler auction in Jackson.

The national and worldwide demand for antlers might be temporarily waning, as well, auction organizers told Cowboy State Daily.

The annual antler auctions have consistently pulled in about $200,000 but this year’s auction generated roughly $109,000.

“So, about half” of what’s come to be expected, said Paul Vogelheim, president of the Jackson Hole Friends of Scouting.

Antler auction revenues have ebbed and flowed over the years. But such a dramatic nosedive in a single year has left organizers scratching their heads.

Vogelheim said organizers plan to meet and discuss the causes for the drop in sales.

He added that he plans to “circle ba

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