Saturday, September 12, 2009

Early Stirings of the Rut

A pair of Raghorn bulls sparring

The sparring between young bulls is not the violent confrontations that occasionally occur between large breeding bulls. During these frequent matches the bulls learn the fighting techniques they will use in earnest later in life.



The herd bull and a lesser 6X6 look on as the young bulls tussle


Elk are impressive animals to view at any time of the year but if one must choose only one time to visit the elk range the autumn rut is the best by far. Mornings and evenings when light levels are low is the best times to encounter the elk. Mid-day will find them lying up in timbered areas.

When you combine the majestic beauty of a mature bull with the colorful foliage of autumn while the screaming bugles fill the air you have an outdoor experience that is difficult to surpass.

If you choose to visit Pennsylvania’s elk during the rut keep in mind that these animals can be dangerous. Do not take unnecessary chances and maintain a safe respectable distance.

For more Critters of all Kinds
Visit Misty’s Camera Critter Blog

21 comments:

DeniseinVA said...

Amazing photographs, a very interesting post. Thanks for sharing it.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

These massive animals put on quite a show.Sure hope you get lots more pictures to share on the blog.Thanks for these.
Blessings,Ruth

Brooke said...

Oh my goodness, they certainly are impressive looking! Lovely shots.

eileeninmd said...

Awesome Elk photos, thank you for sharing.

Luna said...

Magnificent nature!Your blog is wonderful, congratulations!
Adorable post!
purrs, love and Happy Camera Critters
Luna

Carletta said...

Amazing captures!
I have to smile when I see the other bulls standing and watching the action. :)

I enjoyed your autumn color shots below.

Carletta’s Captures.

imac said...

Wonderful - Nature at its best Coy

Snap said...

WOW. WOW. WOW! Wonderful photos. Thanks!

Misty DawnS said...

Your images always take my breath away! I think I'm one of your biggest fans, my friend!

Norm said...

nice capture! absolutely beautiful, happy weekend..

Chris said...

Hi Coy,
Wonderful observation and nice pictures!! Should have been great to meet them!

Manz said...

Impressive images of impressive critters!

Elaine said...

Great shots! They really are an impressive animal.

Dancin Fool said...

Fabulous shots! They are such graceful yet powerful creartures.

Brad Myers said...

Coy don't let them get to active before I get up the end of the month. I don't want to be late for all the action shots. It looks like this last trip was worth the drive.

Minie said...

i love their horns that means they are matured already. great post.

Montanagirl said...

Very impressive! Hubby and I just drove the 110 miles last evening to view the same kind of activity at the "Slippery Ann" Elk viewing area south of Malta. We plan to go back when there's more activity.

Peggy said...

Someday, I will make that trek, and keep in mind the time of the year for sure!

EG CameraGirl said...

Practice, practice. Interesting that the "play" develops later into dangerous fighting. I wonder if the older bulls as they watch the younger ones play are already assessing the young bulls'abilities.

Meggie said...

Beautiful shots, Salty! No elk here in western PA but the whitetail rut is just around the corner.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: What a neat capture of the sparring.