It
was the time of the pre-rut in the elk range; the bulls had shed the velvet
from their antlers, were beginning to bugle to challenge other nearby bulls
–who answered the challenge with bugles of their own, they were sparring
although not seriously fighting, and showing some interest in gathering a band
of cows.
And
so, it was time to journey to the elk range on a beautiful morning – to hear
the haunting sound of the bugling bulls, to see some interesting country and do
some photography.
Parking
the car, I headed off to some of the spots where, in the past, I’ve had some
wonderful encounters with elk. Unfortunately, after covering about two and a
half miles all there was to be seen of elk were some rather old tracks, one
recent set of elk tracks and numerous tracks of the horses and riders that now
seem to frequent that area.
I
did encounter some of the last of this year’s blooming wildflowers –
 |
| Nodding Lady's-tresses |
 |
| Orange Hawkweed |
Elsewhere there were several cows, a calf and a 6x6 bull feeding.
Mid-day
was spent traveling through other areas of the elk range for future exploration
in locations less frequented by the hordes of tourists who travel to Winslow Hill
in the fall.
As
the sun sank in the west back to Winslow Hill I went. There a 7x7 bull was busily bugling in an
exchange with another bull that was out of sight –
Those
of us photographing the bull were eagerly anticipating seeing an encounter between
the two bugling bulls, but a wagon full of elk watchers appeared and came
between the bull we were watching and the unseen bull.
With
that the bull turned around and vanished over the hill –
The
sun was setting and it was time to head for home –
The
elk range always beckons, but next time it will be some of the more remote
regions.
Sounds like such an interesting experience! Had to look that location on the map.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing shots!
ReplyDeleteWe took our quads up to the head of our lake to look for elk. We found one herd led by a bull with large antlers. In all, there were 28 elk including females and young in the herd. We watched them pass single file across the river to get farther into the bush. None of them stood around for picture taking unfortunately. Elk were hunted out in our area until they were reintroduced in the early 2000s. The herds have grown considerably, enough to have a hunting draw for a few to keep the numbers in check to match the grazing range. - Margy
ReplyDeleteHello, great series and post on the elk. Wonderful photos of the elk. It is a shame the other elk watchers spoiled your view. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteIn past years we have enjoyed so much the bugling of the bull Elk out West and have missed them the last 2 years as we could not travel. Your image shares are great~
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful nature shots!
ReplyDelete