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Archive 2013 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady

  
 
Charlie Shugart
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


In the same fenced yard as yesterday's post. The female wandered off and the big male walked toward me as I had my elbows on the top of the fence.
I took this 24mm shot, lowered the camera and the studly fellow charged from about 6-8 feet away..
Without assessing the subtler aspects of the situation (it was probably a false charge, he probably wouldn't jump the fence, even though he could... that was how he got into the yard), I simply ran like hell to my nearby truck, got in and THEN looked back.
The bull had not jumped the fence and, although I can't say for sure, I think he was laughing at me- like this: .
A couple of hours later, I asked another photographer what the elk's collar had meant. He said it was to indicate that- more than most elk- the animal didn't like people and might attack them.
I'd also heard that from a ranger in Jasper a few years earlier.
Two lessons learned .
The accompanying image is another interpretation of the main hot springs- still the most active in Mammoth.



Charlie Shugart 2013

Yellowstone- Bull Elk





Charlie Shugart 2013

Yellowstone- Mammoth Hot Springs




Jun 01, 2013 at 08:50 PM
morris
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Great story and images Charlie. I'm glad you ran

Morris



Jun 01, 2013 at 09:15 PM
KCollett
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Nice images Charlie. MHS shot is wonderful.


Jun 01, 2013 at 11:54 PM
surfnron
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


I think the collar sez "If you can read this, it's too late to run"... Both are nice Charlie ~ Ron


Jun 02, 2013 at 08:38 AM
B Benson
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Charlie, Would not want to mess with the pointed end of those horns. Bruce


Jun 02, 2013 at 09:35 AM
David Salem
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


The Elk is nice but a bit sterile but the hot springs is beautiful. Well done


Jun 02, 2013 at 10:27 AM
Charlie Shugart
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Thanks Morris, Ken, Ron, BBenson and David.
I subsequently found out more about male elk, such as: They consider any large animal to be competition for their harems, including other male elk, all bison (I saw one bonk an innocent bison who munched its way too close), and people.
Yeah, David, the pic of the bull is less than sterling: distortion because of the 24mm and proximity of the beast, missed the tips of his antlers AND his front hooves, oof bush on the right, too much in-focus behind him, etc.)
But the elk itself was considerably less than sterile; I could smell his testosterone for an hour after the encounter (or else I'd soiled my breeches and didn't know it because I was in such a panic ).
Charlie



Jun 02, 2013 at 01:39 PM
eyelaser
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Hey Charlie, that pix of Mammoth is a post card shot for sure. Seriously, that alone would entice me to visit...and do they tag the elk with cook to 147F for rare. But that is a rack to be proud of...hopefully it didn't end up on someone's wall.
Eric



Jun 02, 2013 at 01:50 PM
3iron
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Bull Elk can be something to be aware of. Obviously he got a good laugh of you and you crazy human antics. I'm kinda like you, those pointy things on their head look dangerous, I always give them the room they want.
Fun shot by the way.



Jun 02, 2013 at 01:58 PM
RichFisher
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Bull elk, especially in rutting season, can be dangerous. Never-the-less nice picture and great story.


Jun 02, 2013 at 02:01 PM
Charlie Shugart
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


I DID have a 4-foot (flimsy) fence protecting me from a 700-800 pound bundle of muscle, bone, antler and pissed-off attitude .
Charlie



Jun 02, 2013 at 02:15 PM
ScottHM
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


I guess telling him she's not your type wouldn't have mattered. He certainly doesn't look too happy. A too close to be comfortable shot for sure, glad you were able to get out of there. Thanks for the info on the collar, that'll be stored away for future use. A nice shot of the Hot Springs as well. Doesn't have to be digital to be magical


Jun 02, 2013 at 02:16 PM
Charlie Shugart
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


ScottHM wrote:
I guess telling him she's not your type wouldn't have mattered. He certainly doesn't look too happy. A too close to be comfortable shot for sure, glad you were able to get out of there. Thanks for the info on the collar, that'll be stored away for future use. A nice shot of the Hot Springs as well. Doesn't have to be digital to be magical


Thanks, Scott.
Magic is in the beholder of the eye .
Or something.
Charlie



Jun 02, 2013 at 06:15 PM
kmunroe
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


always enjoy your posts Charlie..


Jun 02, 2013 at 07:47 PM
brian_sp
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


very nice captures, the elf looks rather menacing, don't think i would venture that close to him


Jun 02, 2013 at 08:32 PM
Jude Perera
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Both are very nice Charlie.

Jude



Jun 02, 2013 at 10:13 PM
Charlie Shugart
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Yellowstone- bull elk is no lady


Thanks Eric, 3iron, Rich, Kenny and Brian.
The secret to my survival when I'm close to animals that are big enough to seriously injure me is this: Can I get to my car before it gets to ME?
With elephants and lions- the plan changed to:
Lions: if you must, please jump through the OTHER open window and eat HIM.
Elephants: Step on the gas, driver... HARD.
Charlie



Jun 02, 2013 at 10:15 PM





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