The last week of September greeted us with spectacular fall-like weather. The temperature was cool and the elk were clearly in the heat of the annual rut. The breeding season for the Pennsylvania can run from mid-September through mid-October. The last week of September is generally near the peak of the action and we were there, ready with our cameras and lenses to capture the action!
The first day was the only clear day. The clouds and rain took over but this did not hinder the elk action at all. It was a very active week and we saw plenty of elk to photograph. Several fights broke out as the bulls were vying for dominance among the cows. I absolutely love this time of year and the fall rut is always filled with action and many photographic opportunities! There is no better time to be in elk country in my humble opinion, and I prefer to be no where else at this time of year!
This was our seventh Pennsylvania Elk Photography Experience. John arrived on Monday evening and we started with a basic wildlife photo workshop. This is always a good start so we can dial in our camera settings to more adequately and more easily capture the beauty of these elk. The next morning started with a real early breakfast and out to find the elk just as light was beginning to make its headway into the day. Elk, like most mammals, are most active at dawn and dusk, so we always are out in the mountains at these times. The light tends to be best at these times of day as well. Many times the activity slows down sometime between 9am and 11am. So we break for lunch and a short rest before heading back out of the early evening opportunities. I just cannot get enough time with these amazing animals! They are fascinating!
The Pennsylvania Elk Photography Experience has several goals we have in mind for all participants:
- Provide an exciting experience with the Pennsylvania elk
- Teach basic and advanced photography techniques to capture the action of the wildlife
- Create breath-taking wildlife photographs that capture the essence of this experience
- Learn from each other
- Have fun
This fall trip was exceptional in terms of the rutting and elk action. I think it is fair to say that we accomplished all five goals on this trip.
I can’t wait to be back in elk country again!
It was good to see you and Dick in elk country once again.
These are dramatic captures–especially the one of the bull with the grass in his antlers.
I also enjoyed your post on the bugling as well as this one. You are so right about the distinctiveness of the different bulls bugles. I think the one they call “Limpy” is instantly recognizable by the deep, chest rattling bellow.
Also thanks for getting the video and for the positive comment.
I had a great time with Bob and Dick. They are awesome hosts and photographers. I learned a lot and got to see and photograph many elk. Thank you!
Bob, it was a pleasure shooting & chatting with you last week and I’m glad you captured some great shots to take home. Too bad the elk rut only comes once a year.