Anyone shoot Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park?

[Tom Reichner]

Hello!

I'm hoping to be able to get to Rocky Mountain NP (in northcentral Colorado) this fall for the Elk rut. I was there in early Sept of 2006, and was thrilled to see so many big bull Elk bugling and rounding up cows. This led me to believe that the rut took place in early Sept. But then last year in southwestern Montana I saw elk rutting in the middle of October. Surely the peak of their rut doesn't last for a month and a half. So, I'm asking if anyone knows if the Elk rut occurs at different times, based on location. Or was one of the two aforementioned experiences a freak?

If anyone has experience with the Elk rut at Rocky Mtn NP I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Any info you could share with me as to the peak of the rut would be quite helpful.

[Marc Hathaway]

The Elk rut is dependent on a number of things including location and weather. You can find Elk year round in RMNP but the rut is the most exciting. Estes Park has an annual Elk festival that I believe generally coincides with the rut. In any case around September 14th is usually a good time.

I have to warn you that many of the cows have been tagged with radio collars. They are very unsightly in the photos. The west side of the park is a disaster due to the Mountain Pine beetle killed trees. Crews are clear cutting the dead and dangerous trees from the campgrounds and public areas.

[Tom Reichner]

hi, Marc!

You're from Colorado - cool! Denver . . . must be only about 2 hours from the park. I would kill to be so close to a National Park like Rocky Mountain!

As it is, I'm about 8 1/2 hours from Glacier, 10 or 11 hrs from Yellowstone, 7 from Rainier, and I suppose about 18 or 20 hours from Rocky Mountain. That's why I was looking for info - I can't afford to drive so far only to find I missed the peak of the rut.

Thanks for filling me in on the current conditions in RMNP. The radio collar thing really bothers me. I find more and more subjects with these unsightly, unnatural contraptions on them. I don't know why they can't use a much smaller device that would remain concealed.

It looks like I should try to plan my visit for mid September. If anyone else has any info about specific timing of the elk rut in this area, I would appreciate hearing from you.

[oldtimingman]

Tom - Checking the data on this pic when the rut was full on...9/26/08

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Old scar didn't have much head gear but he'd been to war and had a couple dozen of the ladies in line. We've been wet and cool this summer, not sure how this will affect the rut. Be prepared for a crowd...the rut is real popular, lot of out of state plates.

............old

[oldtimingman]

....and don't get me started on collars.....arrgghhh

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[Marc Hathaway]

....and don't get me started on collars.....arrgghhh

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They just look so natural.

The ranger that I talked to thought it was a study related to Chronic Wasting Disease. I thought it might be part of the culling operation that they were doing.

Hopefully during the rut there will be plenty of uncollared Elk to shoot. The good thing is that it appears that only the cows and maybe some of the young bulls have been collared.

[dosch]

Looks horrid but in all reality it's the best thing to do for the herds!

Being originally from South Dakota, I shot a doe about 4 years back and it had CWD. Wasn't noticeable until I was skinning her and the backstraps were completely dried up.. :oops: I turned it into the GFP(game wardens) and after a month or so of waiting, I had a letter in the mail thanking me for turning this in as it will only help their efforts to manage the disease.

It's a good thing but not very attractive at all...:cry:

[BillwYellowstone]

I am living and working in Yellowstone, been watching elk all summer. Most are free of radio collars, but there are some. Have gotten some nice pics (for me) with a 5 mp Kodak I had with me. I am still awaiting my new Canon. Would like to back and retake all the shots I have.

Good luck in the 'hunt'. Maybe come up here. I'll be in the park till 10/13. Look me up.

[BillwYellowstone]

BTW, while our elk have collars, they are a bit more 'natural', brown leather, no big numbers. When in our briefing when we first arrived the rangers talked about how collars PO'ed the photographers, but explained how it helps them track and manage, a necessary evil. I didn't think to ask what percentage was tagged.

[Tom Reichner]

It still amazes me that in this day of technological advancement they can't make a tracking device that is much, much smaller. We can put a man on the moon. We can put a camera on Mars - yet we can't keep track of an elk without strapping a big unsightly collar around it's neck? Seems ludicrous.

[oldtimingman]

Update....Just got back from the park and the ritual has started. We went over the Ridge at daylight (looking for moose in the valley) and there was a herd of 40-45 mixed bulls and cows on top (at 12,000 ft). When we came back, 3 hours later, 1 bull and 30 cows were still there. Down lower in Horseshoe park (one of the most active and viewed spots) there was a herd of 30 w/2 bulls, but one was smaller and will probably get ran off plus the spikes were still with the cows. The bugling has started, they are congregating and the rangers have put the 'elk activity/viewing/stay on the damn road' signs out at Horse shoe and Morraine park. What I don't know is when it gets going in earnest. We'll probably run up next Thursday/Friday and I'll keep you updated.

......old

[Tom Reichner]

Update.... The bugling has started, they are congregating and the rangers have put the 'elk activity/viewing/stay on the damn road' signs out at Horse shoe and Morraine park.


Oh, no! Those signs are going to ruin it! I'll just have to find my own bulls where the rangers haven't posted anything.

I know, I know . . . all that crap about how the rangers have such a tough job to do and how they do such a great job, etc. I do respect the rangers, but one must admit that too much posting and area closures does limit the amount of world-class rutting images one can get.

I don't want to drive a 3,000 mile round trip and blow all my savings just to get pics of elk from 50 yards away. Those images just don't sell :(

[oldtimingman]

Dunno Tom.....'Do not approach or feed the wildlife' signs are everywhere you look in the park year round. They especially enforce the 'approach' part during the rut. And still people are trying to sneak up on critters with their cell phone cams and P&S's. They flat don't want folks off the approved roads and trails...also a popular sign. I hate to see you travel all that way just to be 'roadbound'. Maybe if you contacted them directly and asked a few questions it would save you some grief? Anyway...good luck.

....old

[oldtimingman]

9/10 - Not much change, still a ways from getting serious. Some bulls are still hanging out together up high and some have accumulated small harems down in the meadows and parks but w/spikes and calves.


.........old

[Tom Reichner]

9/10 - Not much change, still a ways from getting serious. Some bulls are still hanging out together up high and some have accumulated small harems down in the meadows and parks but w/spikes and calves.
.........old

Thanks for the update! It's good to know I haven't missed anything yet.

As for the "do not approach or feed wildlife" signs, they do not worry me too much. Those laws are the same in all the national parks. The law is actually that you may not approach closer than 100 yards from bears or wolves, not amy you approach closer than 25 yards to all other wildlife. I have no problem with that. As long as I can get out and "stalk" to the 25 yard limit I'll be able to get the types of images I need. I know they close certain areas to any off road hiking, but I've never known an entire national park to be shut down to hiking. I'm sure I'll be able to find areas of the park in which I'm allowed to walk off the road, just like in my previous visit to RMNP. Yellowstone's the same way - there are some areas that are closed to off-road walking on a temporary basis. You just have to work the other areas of the park instead.

[Tom Reichner]

UPDATE:

I just found this on the park's website:

Elk Rut Closures--Fall

To prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during the fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk-viewing opportunities, closures in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and the Kawuneeche Valley area are in place from August 30 through October 25, 2008. These closures are for travel on foot or horse off established roadways or designated trails from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

This is good news, as it says the areas with the highest amount of Elk rutting activity are only closed from 5 in the evening 'till 7 am. What this means is that even in the "closed" areas, visitors are still allowed to walk off the road and get into position for photos, except during the times mentioned.
I called the Park and spoke with a ranger to confirm this, and she said that yes, during most of the day you are still allowed to hike off road and off trail in the "closed" areas.
What good news! I'm hoping to get the time to go down there to RMNP sometime within the next two weeks, while the rut is still on. Good opportunities should abound!

[oldtimingman]

update:

I wondered why all the fencing went up last fall. Partly to preserve some foliage (Park is seriously over crowded) and to provide some walk about in the parks. That's goodness. Taken this morning above Morraine Park;

I just woke him up..hence the stink eye

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then a little later at Beaver Meadows (hiding in the willows) I do believe these grunts were for my benefit...I got no closer

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[Tom Reichner]

Oh, how wonderful, Oldtimer!

That bull in #2 is quite a specimen. That's what it's all about. Hopefully I'll be down there within the week!

[oldtimingman]

Thank you. Don't limit yourself to just the Park. Bring your golf clubs...really. A lot of activity happens on the courses (2) in town. Estes Park is pretty wide open and sprawling over the country side. Nice homes, big lots and lots of natural habitat....and the elk are everywhere. They were even playing a little volley ball in the marina yesterday.
The gray head in the bottom corner is my partner who promptly moved after the shot to safety...sorta.


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I stuck around for one more and about this time was wondering if the chevy pickup behind me was gonna give us much protection. Fortunately his mind got back on the ladies and got no closer. But he deinately had the stink eye on us.....

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[Tom Reichner]

Success! I got to go last week, and had a wonderful time. I'd especially like to thank Matt (aka "Oldimingman") for his good info.

I've attached one of the trip's pics.

I posted several pics of the trip over in the photo sharing section. Here's a link to that post: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=8733983#post8733983

I was also able to photograph other wildlife there, such as Moose, Mule Deer, and Magpies. If time permits I will do some threads on those subjects, as well. RMNP is a great wildlife destination, and I highly recommend it, especially this time of year.

[oldtimingman]

Tom - I think he's saying " Y'all come back soon"

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...old

[oldtimingman]

update 3/10: Was up in the Park this morning and the herd(s) looked in good shape but I can't quite figure out how/why they do this. The first shot is in Horseshoe Park of all mature bulls, no spikes or raghorns...nary a cow anywhere:

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This shot is up in Morainne Park and there's not a bull in sight or anywhere close by. How do they do that?

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.....old

[res]

Awsome area. Great scenic shots of the elk. Interesting how the animals behave as they do. By the way, I was looking repeatedly at your straight on bull shot (#2) and Tom's straight on shot and I must say, if they aren't the same animal, they must be twins. :-) Rick

[Tom Reichner]

Great to see the you've been able to get back out to RMNP again, Matt! Those bulls have gotta start shedding antlers pretty soon; I was surprised to see them all with headgear intact. See any good mulies while there?

Awsome area. Great scenic shots of the elk. Interesting how the animals behave as they do. By the way, I was looking repeatedly at your straight on bull shot (#2) and Tom's straight on shot and I must say, if they aren't the same animal, they must be twins. :-) Rick
I think it is the same bull, too. One way to know for sure - if Matt has any shots from a different angle, they may show a split tip to his right main beam, which technically makes him a 7 by 6. Here's a shot of the same bull from an angle that shows the extra point:

[oldtimingman]

Tom - I've never seen a decent mulie in the Park. A group of goofy coyotes; lotsa elk (even a couple that like birdseed); a few sheep; a black fox but no decent mulies. I would think after all the time we spend in the Park, we would see a wall hanger sooner or later. Well it hasn't been sooner and I running out of later. Here's a shot of my bull from the side...no fork.

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...old

[oldtimingman]

update: Looks to be another good year. Good weather, everything stayed green, elk herds look fat and sassy. Moose are actually wintering in the east side of the Park. Couple of pics...the elk was up high but if you look close (not too close...not a good shot) at his right beam the last tine has started to fork (#7). And Bullwinkle?? He's the biggest one I've seen yet, albeit on the western side. Y'all come and take a look see.....

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[Gaarryy]

Just seaching and found this thread...

I was planning on going to Rocky Mountain Park, this fall during rutting season, are those collars still being used? I realize that the rut season isn't predictable but around when gives me the best chance. 1st week of Sept.. 1st couple weeks.??

Also some of these pics look pretty close. I have the 70-200, but was thinking of renting a 600 for the week.. would that be to much lens? Maybe just rent a 400 plus a T/C?

Last random thought.. If I can talk a friend into driving up with me we might head up to yellowstone since we'd be splitting the driving. so pretty much the same lens questions

[oldtimingman]

G - you got mail

...old

[Gaarryy]

Just bumping up this thread.
I'll be up at RNP at the end of the month. Besides all the Elk.. what are some other photo's that shouldn't be missed by an out of town person. Waterfalls, landscapes?
even some great places to eat, things to see and do while I"m there.
I'd hate to come back home and someone ask 'did you see ____. How could you go up there and not see___"

[Tom Reichner]

Besides all the Elk.. what are some other photo's that shouldn't be missed by an out of town person. Waterfalls, landscapes?
even some great places to eat, things to see and do while I"m there.
I'd hate to come back home and someone ask 'did you see ____. How could you go up there and not see___"

The elk are really the thing to focus on at this time of year. The peak rut activity that occurs throughout the last half of September does not coincide with peak fall color, so any scenics are best shot at another time. Waterfalls are usually shot most effectively when the waterways are brim-full in the late spring, or during peak fall color.

The Bighorn and Mule Deer rut is still two months away, and the rut provides the best images of these species. Pika activity is really winding down, as heavy snowfall is very possible at the Pika's preferred elevations, and causes them to take to the ground.

You could try to find some Moose to shoot, as their rut is timely. However, do you want to spend your time looking for some moose, or actually photographing elk?

Ptarmigan could be effectively photographed at the higher elevations along Trail Ridge Road, but you could spend many days looking for them, without ever finding any. You'd have to get quite lucky.

You can photograph Magpies very effectively while waiting for elk opportunities - I've found RMNP to be one of the best places anywhere to photograph Magpies.

Lots of great stuff to shoot at RMNP, but late September is really only the peak time for one thing - the elk rut. Focus on that and you won't be disappointed.

Nicky's is a good place to eat. Reasonable, too. It's on the entrance road on the east side of the park, between the park and Estes Park (the northernmost of the two east side entrances).

[Gaarryy]

Thanks Tom... I still have and read the email with tips you sent me last spring also

Considering the Flatness of the part of texas I'm in, any landscapes shots will be great for me just to see and shoot. I"ll definately give Nicky's a go, I'd much rather try a couple of what I call Mom and Pop eating places than a chain. I'll be staying pretty much at Estes Park and from what I hear it will be pretty easy to find the Elk in RMP correct? do you know of any local websites, park, ranger etc that list good places to find them or can you literally just be walking/driving around and see quite a few.

thanks again

[Tom Reichner]

Gary,

Here is a map of the park that should be quite helpful:
http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/upload/detailedmapa.pdf

I found most of the better elk opportunities to be in the east side of the park, all within a few miles of the two entrances. The area from the Fall River Entrance Station down to Horseshoe Park is good, as is Horseshoe Park itself, as well as West Horseshoe Park. Then, the area from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station over to, and including, Moraine Park is good as well.

You may want to go over the Trail Ridge Road if it's open. This will take you way up to 12,000 feet - a long way above your native Texas topography! If you go down the other side of the mountains to the west side of the park, you will undoubtedly find some good elk action there when you get down around the Timber Creek area. But, in my opinion, the best areas for making elk images is on the aforementioned east side areas near the entrance stations.

I hope things go very well for you there!

[oldtimingman]

Hi y'all....I drifted up to the Park y'day morning figuring I could add a little something to the conversation...not. Talked to some folks up high at Rainbow Curve just below the Ridge and they said there was evening activity at Morraine Park. With the warm weather, most are still up high. But I saw nothing. I'll prolly head again next Friday, the big boys should be showing up by then. I did get a little lucky last March...

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I'll update next week......old

[oldtimingman]

Better luck today.....This one looks ready, had a dozen or two rounded up...

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Also, finally found a worthwhile buck...

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...old

[Gaarryy]

Wow thanks Old.. I'm getting quite excited... I"m staying in a RV park called paradise(on the?) river since they have a couple older RV's on site, Not sure how close you are to RMP or estes park But I'll be sure to drop you a note when I'm up there.

thanks again
gary

[oldtimingman]

Do that...we'll see if we can hook up.

...old

[oldtimingman]

Update....Morraine Park is picking up. Dunno if this guy can hang on to his girls. Not the biggest in the hood, but from the looks of those scars he may have the heart..


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[Gaarryy]

Gotcha... Morraine park,, is there a time that is usually better,, morning, evening, mid morning??
if I stop at a ranger station they should be able to point me in the right direction correct?

thanks again
leaving sunday, there by monday

[oldtimingman]

You'll get a map when you pony up for the fee. There aren't that many roads in the park and the signs are clearly marked. Early morning and evening are the best. You'll go thru Horseshoe Park first and actually I've taken as many shots there as anywhere. Horseshoe has been slow in the morning for me but it could be rocking in the evening or could change overnight. That is all except for ol fat rascal here bulking up before the big sleep...

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No matter where you go there will be LOTS of folks everywhere. You'll know where the elk are when you see the road turn into a parking lot. If you've got time you should hop over the Ridge and go down the Colorado River (headwaters) Valley and check out the moose. All the way to the park exit and back or stop in Grand Lake for a meal and then come back. Good luck...

...old

[SimplyShane]

Hi y'all....I drifted up to the Park y'day morning figuring I could add a little something to the conversation...not. Talked to some folks up high at Rainbow Curve just below the Ridge and they said there was evening activity at Morraine Park. With the warm weather, most are still up high. But I saw nothing. I'll prolly head again next Friday, the big boys should be showing up by then. I did get a little lucky last March...

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I'll update next week......old

I was just randomly browsing this thread, and I noticed this image.
I like it a lot, but there are things that you could easily do to improve it.

In my edit, I have used ACR's "Blacks" slider to turn the foreground solid black. That way, we can forget about the distracting bush and other unnecessary shadow detail.

In addition to this, I have also boosted saturation and adjusted the white balance. The end result, I feel, is more effective than the original, while still keeping its spirit in-tact.
Personally, I would also crop off more of the negative space on the bottom, but I didn't want to get too agressive with you here. :-P


http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5584/sparpotn2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/192/sparpotn2.jpg/)

[SimplyShane]

Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I just couldn't help myself. Here is a cropped version. I know this is pretty aggressive, but I would personally handle it like this. It's a really nice shot regardless.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/8758/sparpotn2crop.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/64/sparpotn2crop.jpg/)

[oldtimingman]

Thanks, my 'suitable for printing tif' looks more like your redo with a little less crop.

...old

[Gaarryy]

didn't take my computer with me, this week so I couldnt' update much.
but Moraine Park was pretty busy in the evenings, but all the action seemed to be down at the golf course by the visitor center. The big 7x7 was really active, and there where usually 3-4 other smaller bulls always on the fringe of his flock.
Definately a great trip, I'd hike in the mornings, do some landscape shots in the early afternoon, then look for the elk in the evenings.

[oldtimingman]

Glad to hear that, sounds like you kept busy. I think that 7 point might be the same one I shot last year in the Marina on the volley ball court. Maybe he was an athlete in a former life?

...old