Copyright © 2010 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

Tule Elk Preserve
6.2 mile hike
The Pond
Mating Season

My friend Alex and I went out here today to see the Elk in Mating season. We hiked out just beyond the Pond.
This Bull Elk had about 15 females in his Harem. They were relaxing just beyond the Pond. It was a 3.1 mile hike out here. We past 4 Harems along the way. What a fantastic morning and afternoon to see these magnificent Elk! The Harem picking seems about settled. They seem to have decided on their territory, and mates. There was no fighting today.
I’ll try to get back a bit earlier next year to see if I can see some of fighting.

Nikon D300s
Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 AF-D

PP- My standard ACR sliders -vibrance, clarity, a wee bit of sharpening, slight crop off the right, and resized.