In the 1930s, a hunter named Douglas Herrick developed a keen interest in taxidermy. A jackrabbit pelt positioned next to a rack of antlers inspired Herrick to craft a mythical creature that would become a Wyoming legend. Herrick christened his creation a jackalope (one part jackrabbit, and one part antelope).
Ever since Doug Herrick sold his first jackalope to the LaBonte Hotel in Douglas, Wyoming in the early 1940s, the fearsome hare with antlers has become part of the local fabric. Locals claim they have spied jackalopes mimicking human voices in an attempt to snatch an unattended bottle of whiskey. Visitors can even apply for a hunting license so they can try their luck at trapping an elusive jackalope. The only catch is the hunting license is only valid on June 31st from midnight to 2 a.m.
Douglas is home to numerous jackalopes, but an 8-foot-tall outdoor jackalope statue tends to generate the most attention. Smooth and tame looking, the largest jackalope in Douglas often leaves visitors questioning if the legendary beasts are the feral troublemakers that tall tales make them out to be.
Every June, the Jackalope Days festival in Douglas celebrates the town’s most famous mythical residents with three days of music, lemonade, and cuddly stuffed jackalopes galore. Expect jackalope-themed merchandise, delectable food, and family-friendly games.
If you caught jackalope fever in Wyoming and would like to further explore the world of jackalopes, a trip to Wall, South Dakota is in order. In 2022, chainsaw artists Jarrett and Jordan Dahl created a 40-foot-tall wooden jackalope sculpture that doubles as a building. Visitors can walk inside the giant hare and view a series of carved jackalopes and other whimsical woodland creatures. A staircase leads to a balcony that offers a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape.
A large, angular statue lovingly known as Jacky the Jackalope in Austin, Texas is one of the most modern additions to the mythical hare landscape. Standing 18 feet tall, Jacky is often dressed to the nines for various holidays and special occasions. Depending on the time of year, Jacky may be wearing a scarf, a Santa hat, or a few strings of Mardi Gras beads.
A hare hybrid that started out as a fantastical taxidermy experiment in a rural Wyoming town has become a mascot of freedom, fun, and imagination. Once you spot your first jackalope statue, you’ll never stop scanning the horizon for the real thing.
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