I am looking for some advice from people that have spent time photographing the elk during the rut in Yellowstone. I live in western Montana but very seldom get the opportunity to go to YNP, I spend more time in GNP. Anyway, I get to go to YNP for just a couple of days and would like to catch some elk rut photo's as it is that time of year. Any location suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!
Posted by Doug Andrews on September 8, 2008 at 10:59 AM
The Madison River area can be a great place to photograph the Elk rut. I've also had some off and on success with photographing the rut in the meadow south of the Norris campground.
Great! Thanks for the info guys. I have spent some time in Gardiner around the rut and it can be pretty wild right in town, but I am going into the park so I would like to catch some action in their natural habitat. Thanks for the suggestions!
Great! Thanks for the info guys. I have spent some time in Gardiner around the rut and it can be pretty wild right in town, but I am going into the park so I would like to catch some action in their natural habitat. Thanks for the suggestions!
Posted by Don Grall on September 8, 2008 at 4:23 PM
I agree with the locations already listed, but keep in mind that weather will have an influence on where the elk are. More early snow will put more elk in the Madison River area, if it has been a no snow to very little snow autumn, they will stay higher up, such as in the Norris area......there will still be elk along the Madison, just not as many. As far as the Lamar Valley goes, the elk are more skittish because of the wolves and, on average, you will need a much longer lens. You will get much closer in the Madison River area or Norris area.
Posted by Don George on September 8, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Over the past 4-5 years I've found the Madison to be the best. Norris has been somewhat quiet the past couple of years. I have found that early morning on the Madison has been great. I usually start at the Madison campground and follow the light through the valley toward West Yellowstone. Watch the river for great water shots. Also watch the log jams for otter. The road from Norris to Mammoth has also been good. Also the hills above Mammoth have had some great bulls. I agree with Don on his comments on the Lamar Valley. I'll be heading there on Thursday for two weeks can't wait. Have a great shoot.
Discussion
6 repliesI am looking for some advice from people that have spent time photographing the elk during the rut in Yellowstone. I live in western Montana but very seldom get the opportunity to go to YNP, I spend more time in GNP. Anyway, I get to go to YNP for just a couple of days and would like to catch some elk rut photo's as it is that time of year. Any location suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!