HUNTING — A unique annual elk hunt in a national park began Saturday.  

The Grand Teton National Park’s annual elk reduction program will run until Nov. 2.  

Congress allowed the “controlled reduction” of elk when the park was created in 1950. Hunting is not allowed in most national parks, and the hunt in Grand Teton comes with restrictions.  

The 650 Wyoming-licensed hunters are restricted to two areas of the park. They are allowed to hunt cows or calves — but not bulls — from three primary herd segments: Grand Teton, southern Yellowstone National Park and the Teton Wilderness area of Bridger-Teton National Forest.  

The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports archery, hand guns and other non-center-fire ammunition rifles are banned, and artificial elk calls are also not allowed.