Elk

Whit Spurzon · 19-09-2009, 16:08

One of my favorite critters around here are Elk. This time of year especially. The Bulls are collecting and protecting their harems and their bugling is one of the most impressive sounds in nature.

Earlier this week I came across two groups on the way back from our retreat. Both Bulls had gathered harems of about 20 Cows each. I watched from afar as they bugled and chased off satellite Bulls.

Unable to resist I got out my call to see if I could get a response from this Bull. He stood up but didn't come any closer. He bugled back and a couple of "chuckles." Next I tried a cow call that he merely poked his nose and sniffed. There was no way he was leaving that harem for a single cow or to fight another Bull as far off as I was.

It was interesting to watch the Bulls, circling their harems, herding cows that wander away from the group, and of course servicing any receptive cows. It looked as if the satellite bulls had all been vanquished by the herd Bull and resigned to hang out nearby waiting for an opportunity. Also the Bull in the picture was not the biggest Bull I saw. He was the more aggressive.

Very cool critters. I wish more of the pictures would have turned out. Too far away and a bit too dark.

Spamel · 19-09-2009, 18:38

Cool! I squeaked a fox over the over week when I went out shooting with Scruff. It was amazing seeing the fox as I haven't seen an round here for a long time. I left some rabbit guts in a pile and the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys in another for him to root through. I like to see them and they don't harm any of the livestock on the farm so I don't feel the need to cull hem although I understand those that do. I would like some nice fox hides to make a nice ginger hat with though!

JP · 22-09-2009, 11:57

Nice one, few BBQ's worth there eh!

19-09-2009, 16:08	#1
Whit Spurzon Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Evergreen State Age: 53 Posts: 18	Elk One of my favorite critters around here are Elk. This time of year especially. The Bulls are collecting and protecting their harems and their bugling is one of the most impressive sounds in nature. Earlier this week I came across two groups on the way back from our retreat. Both Bulls had gathered harems of about 20 Cows each. I watched from afar as they bugled and chased off satellite Bulls. Unable to resist I got out my call to see if I could get a response from this Bull. He stood up but didn't come any closer. He bugled back and a couple of "chuckles." Next I tried a cow call that he merely poked his nose and sniffed. There was no way he was leaving that harem for a single cow or to fight another Bull as far off as I was. It was interesting to watch the Bulls, circling their harems, herding cows that wander away from the group, and of course servicing any receptive cows. It looked as if the satellite bulls had all been vanquished by the herd Bull and resigned to hang out nearby waiting for an opportunity. Also the Bull in the picture was not the biggest Bull I saw. He was the more aggressive. Very cool critters. I wish more of the pictures would have turned out. Too far away and a bit too dark.

19-09-2009, 18:38	#2
Spamel Why am I always last to make the team? Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: High Green, Sheffield / New Mills, High Peak Age: 37 Posts: 6,078	Re: Elk Cool! I squeaked a fox over the over week when I went out shooting with Scruff. It was amazing seeing the fox as I haven't seen an round here for a long time. I left some rabbit guts in a pile and the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys in another for him to root through. I like to see them and they don't harm any of the livestock on the farm so I don't feel the need to cull hem although I understand those that do. I would like some nice fox hides to make a nice ginger hat with though! __________________ "I'd rather be a leper than a ginger!" Spam's Mum, August 2010

22-09-2009, 11:57	#3
JP Day dreaming.......... Admin Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: In a forest, sitting by a lake, by a fire, with my friends. Age: 42 Posts: 10,028	Re: Elk Nice one, few BBQ's worth there eh! __________________ *"Tracking is the road - bushcraft is the vehicle - Nature and wildlife is the destination."* Bushcraft, Tracking and wildlife watching courses tailored to your needs, see below... http://www.woodlifeTrails.com Follow me n Pablo on twitter JP_Woodlife / Pablo_Woodlife The Best Bushcraft mag by far http://www.bushcraft-magazine.co.uk/

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