Proud Bull Elk

Please Don't!

I took this shot as we were leaving Benzette on Sunday. There seem to always be a few people who can't or won't abide by the law, or in this case, use good sense! Signs ask you to share your lunch with people not animals. A fun way of doing saying do not feed the elk! This a large & powerful WILD animal who is quietly munching on an apple in someones hand. Unfortunately he could change his attitude in seconds without notice. Should he injury a human who would be at fault? Would YOU want to be the reason an animal we enjoy viewing is terminated? In a few short weeks this same elk may walk up to another person, expecting to receive a treat, instead gets wounded or killed because a hunter is carrying a rifle not apples. Please, think about your actions.

Trip to the PA Elk Range

Andy & I made an all to infrequent trip to Benzette, Winslow Hill, & the PA Elk Range on Sunday. Like most elk enthusiasts, I like to get nice bull shots.......

But I don't mind a cow shot mixed in.........

or even a family portrait.

Elk Silhouettes

Capturing this elk at the top of a hill gave an opportunity to produce one of my favorite types of image, the silhouette. The magic of PSE makes this process very easy. The shadows needed to be darkened & the intensity of the sky increased.


Pretty much the same process to start this one, then I cloned out the bush & cloned in some of the hill top to keep the horizon even.


The final one was a mistake. Somehow I ended up "dumping" a bucket full of black over the image. Turned out kinda cool, I thought. (Although I am glad there is an undo switch!)

The Pennsylvania Elk Range

The last leg of last Sunday's roadtrip took us north to the Pennsylvania Wilds. Autumn was making its self know, displaying wonderful colors. We seemed to arrive with perfect timing since the elk were out & about enjoying the evening feed.

This guy was hanging out in a field of several cows doing his best to extend the rut one more day. This one, as you can see, wears the PA Game Commission tracking collar. This shot was taken in the town of Benezette. Looks to me like he must have a headache. Must be tiresome carrying that head dress around for months!

A full tummy then to the top of the hill for a rest.
This is the first elk we seen that day. It is obvious he is in a yard, but what you can't see is a group of people on the porch throwing apples. I fear for the animal when humans "forget" they are wild.