A picture to drool over

[SeatoSummit88]

My folks live in Northern Colorado and are continuously hiking and getting out to local trailheads to explore. They went out sunday for a day hike and picnic. When they stopped at the base of this gully and had lunch, something was tromping through the creek and coming towards them. Well, it was this guy, meandering around aimlessly. Enjoy.

[pianoman9701]

Nice. Maybe I should just set up a picnic next year! 

[SeatoSummit88]

If thats the damn secret to bagging trophy elk, then im willing to pack a really big breakfast, lunch and dinner. Haha

[Mark251]

Great looking bull 

[pd]

That is a beautiful photograph, what a healthy bull.  Look at his legs, marvelous.  And the creek, and foliage, are spectacular.

Sounds like you need to plan a trip to see your folks in Sept/Oct??

[SeatoSummit88]

I told my mom, hey your retired, take up wildlife photography, and when you get close, call me....I  have been communicating with my dad the last year about coming out within the next couple years for rifle bull. Unfortunately he does not hunt; however a few of his neighbors are avid elk hunters, so hopefully I can set something up with them. A lot of country out there are draw areas. And then for the public areas, your stuck with hundreds of others. But that is like anywhere else.

[mfswallace]

G3's a little weak, let him walk if you want to kill a trophy  I've got his score on my wall

[elkslayer069]

By the looks of his rump he's been fighting

[scoutdog346]

Was he hit?  Look at his back R quater?

[SeatoSummit88]

No not hit. Elkslayer mentioned fighting scars and that was it. My parents neighbors are territory elk researchers, and conduct studies on local herds outside of RMNP and within. The day before or so, he had been locked up with another male. My parents neighbors pat and cynthia take people out to observe during the rut. My dad has sent me some amazing videos in the past. If I can find, I'll post.

[SniperDanWA]

My sister, who doesn't hunt, came across this guy in CO during one of her photo trips.  She was more than 25 yards from him while he was raking, but he was cool with her being that close.  He's worth drooling over too.  I'd gladly harvest him.

[bracer40]

My sister, who doesn't hunt, came across this guy in CO during one of her photo trips.  She was more than 25 yards from him while he was raking, but he was cool with her being that close.  He's worth drooling over too.  I'd gladly harvest him.

Ok, NOW I'm drooling!

[SeatoSummit88]

Sniperdan, that picture is awesome. What a great shot!

[SniperDanWA]

I lived in Centennial and Longmont for about five years, but spent summers there for about 15 years before that.  I love the town of Evergreen, especially when the elk are roaming the golf courses and the creeks.   I've seen herds of 200+ on the road.  Watched bulls rake up the green with their horn and eat it while golfers sat in their carts waiting to play through.  I can't say enough about how awesome it is to be on Trail Ridge Road when both sides of the road for a couple of miles is surrounded by a herd.  Of course, being protected in that area you see some monsters.  If I can find some of my photos I'll post some more.  The elk in CO are jaw droppers.

[treeclimber2852]

While we are at the drooling - this guy survived the Peaches Ridge archery season and comes in almost daily to a water hole my son and I will be parked on for his muzzy cow tag this weekend.  I've gone over it a hundred times with him - if there are horns, don't shoot it.  It will still be fun if he shows up though.