Wednesday, September 25, 2013

More Photos 2013 Rut


6x6 Bugles on Winslow Hill: Canon 70D-300mm f2.8 L IS-ISO 640 1/200 sec. f4.0
As the Pennsylvania elk rut continues no one has reported seeing a 400 class bull on Winslow Hill.  There are some very nice bulls, but two separate outfitters have confirmed my belief that the best bulls seen so far are running in the 350-360 class.  One speculated that the large bulls will show up later and some do report seeing bigger bulls in other areas of the elk range, but at this point I do not think the outlook is good for seeing outstanding bulls at the viewing areas..

Lest we forget what a mature bull looks like, below is a photograph of a mature bull that is slightly smaller than he was last year, but if you look closely you will note that he has much more antler  mass and a larger body than most of the bulls seen on the hill this year.

Mature Bull Bugles on Winslow Hill: Canon 70D-300mm f2.8 L IS-ISO 100- 1/1000 sec. f5.0
A  unique bull has been frequently seen this rut.  Some speculate that it is a a young bull, while others are convinced it is an old bull past his prime.  Whatever the case his palmated antlers  make him him stand out from the rest of the bulls and he is instantly identifiable at a glance.  The mass of the antlers does seem to reinforce the position that this is an old bull as does a comparison to photographs from last year.

Palmated Bull Bugles: Canon 70D-300mm f2.8 L IS+2x estender-ISO200 1/320 sec. f8.0
The last bull posted today is another one of those bulls that falls comfortable into that range between "raghorn' and mature bull.  He is about average for the better bulls that we are seeing on the hill this year.

6x7 At Dusk: Canon 70D-300mm f2.8 L IS-ISO 1600- 1/80 sec. f 2.8
Originally published at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Nice article as always Willard. Appreciate your photos and articles about the elk. Thanks

Willard said...

Thanks, Melody.

Bob Shank said...

Great photos as usual, Willard! It was an honor to be with you up on the hill again this year. Thanks!

Bob Shank said...

Great photos as usual, Willard! It was an honor to be with you up on the hill again this year. Thanks!

Linda G. said...

Great photos! I suspect you were at today's Benezette Photo Club picnic. If so, I am sorry that I missed you. Bob and I planned to attend the picnic, but family time took precedence.

Terry said...

Great shots as usual ! Enjoyed trying to keep up with you last week. Keep the photos and info coming !

Lindsjö taxar said...

Great! The Pictures of the big elks are fantastic!!
Majsan//