Saturday, October 4, 2008

Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer Returns



The mating season for elk, more commonly known as the rut, begins in early September, in Pennsylvania. By the middle of the month activity is intense although it may be less on warm days. I find the last two weeks of the month to be the most productive for sighting bulls in pursuit of cows.

This year was extremely good. Although there were not as many outstanding bulls as there were in the years before the elk hunt began, there were a lot of good second tier bulls. The one featured here today is possibly the most promising young bull on Winslow Hill today. This is the bull that was featured in earlier posts, which spent the summer Benezette. This bull has no fear of humans as is amply demonstrated in the photograph below. He left town to pursue cows once the rut began and will likely return once it is over.

If you look closely to the left of the bull you will notice a photographer with a long lens and tripod. The animal was fully aware of his presence and completely unconcerned.

No Fear!

If this animal remains in the No Hunt Zone during the coming elk season, he has an excellent chance of becoming one of Pennsylvania's great bulls. If he strays from it, his career will be short indeed. Many speculate that his father is Bull 36 also known as Fred as his rack bears a great resemblance to the one that Fred had when at a similar age.

If he is taken, it will be interesting to see how someone will be able to justify it as a challenging, fair chase hunt.

Sunset in Elk County


Stay tuned for more posts about the recent trip to Yellowstone and The Pennsylvania Elk Rut.

For more elk photos visit Salty at Country Captures.

For more Camera Critters photographs, click here.

22 comments:

Carletta said...

Hi Willard,
Wonderful images! I can't help thinking why would he be afraid with a rack that huge. If I were the photographer I would be the one afraid.
Wonderful info as always.

Unknown said...

During the mating season it must surely be more of a risk to take such photo's?

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The Birdlady said...

Hi Willard - welcome back. What a majestic creature! I just can't imagine how anyone could harm him.

Jane Hards Photography said...

These are just stunning, as is all your photography.

Anonymous said...

Amazing captures!

ratmammy said...

i loved that sunset shot!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: What a great shot of the young bull fully racked. I love that sunset shot, it is outstanding.

DeeMom said...

what wonderful pictures

Welcome back as well you were missed

Sandy Kessler said...

Awesome silhouette - I see a calendar developing for a Christmas gift sk

kjpweb said...

Funny - the both of us with a silhouette shot today!
Excellent captures - though the 2nd one is of course one for the ages!
Cheers, Klaus

Unknown said...

Both the shots are amazing, the 2nd one is the best for me

Anonymous said...

Nice story with the photos. I always learn something here. Thanks too for your visit.

Gretchen said...

Looking at your shots and Salty's, I think we were there about the same time that week.

Would love to have a chance to shoot with you two some day.

EG CameraGirl said...

Your photos are wonderful and really like what you've written. It's great reading. ;-)

Kelly said...

What a gorgeous photo! He sures does have a big rack and I wouldn't want to get in his way!

Gretchen said...

I shoot a Nikon D200, so that wasn't me on Wednesday. I'm sure we'll meet there someday, it's a very small area. :)

Tommy said...

Great pictures and wonderful story and info. I really enjoy your blog.

MicheleRF said...

Thanks for sharing these stunning images! Living in NE PA right on the lake I haven't had the opportunity to see such sights but am pleased these beautiful creatures are alive and kicking in our beautiful state.

About said...

Interesting read. Didn't realize PA had a viable elk herd available for hunting. Nice silhouette.

Brad Myers said...

Great to see you posting again and I can't wait to see more from the Pa. rut season. I am also looking forward to more from your western trip. I always enjoy your photos and learn alott from your site, thanks Brad.

Michele said...

Fantastic images... I see I haven't missed too much...
Looks like I'm going to have to do most of my hikes and walks through the blogs for awhile until I recuperate so I welcome your posts for the next little while.
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog... I really do appreciate it.
~Michele~

Louise said...

The photos are beautiful, espescially the one with the orange sky. But I hope I don't have to hear about this bull leaving the no hunt zone!