Aspens and Elk
The most wonderful time of year
The two weeks around the end of September and beginning of October are without doubt my favorite time of year. The aspens are changing, temperatures turn crisp, some mornings we may even see fresh snow in the high peaks, and the elk. Man the elk.
It is this time of year when elk rut. Bulls will be chasing cows, bugling, sparring, fending off other bulls. It is an incredible time to be behind the glass. If you can find a good spot to watch, this is a show not to be missed. Often some of the largest herd bulls, which can be so elusive the rest of the year, will be parading around in the open.
September is also archery season so the elk will be feeling some pressure from hunters. Large ranches, or swaths of open private land can offer great opportunities to watch undisturbed herds of elk. Sometimes elk herds will even spill onto golf courses or parks during the rut. Always be respectful of property rights and don’t trespass. Look for public vantage points that overlook open sections of private.
Lack of water often leads elk and deer to grow smaller antlers. This year, despite the drought, I have been seeing elk sporting some impressive racks. Perhaps the mild winter allowed them to come through with better fat reserves, leading to larger antlers. I am really looking forward to the height of the rut to see some of the larger bulls strut their stuff.
One of the most incredible places to view fall elk is Estes Park, Colorado. Put it on your bucket list of places to glass.
